As technology has progressed and the service sector has slowly but surely usurped manufacturing as the top dog in industry terms, more and more of us have found ourselves tethered to a desk in an open plan office.
This has allowed businesses to cut back on space required in their commercial property whilst simultaneously encouraging debate and discussion regarding the day-to-day running of the company between employees – thus paving the way for fresh and innovative ideas to make their way to the fore in a way private offices never could.
However, there can be pitfalls along the way in an open plan office, and studies have shown that even the slightest imbalance in optimum working conditions can have a negative effect upon the productivity of your workforce.
Many of us will have experienced office gossip, where anything and everything from last night’s television to problems at home can be picked apart with sympathetic colleagues. Yet with the open plan office, this chatter has migrated from the traditional gathering around the water cooler and now a multitude of conversations can take place without the need to even leave your desk.
A harmonious relationship with colleagues is, of course, desirable when aiming for the maximum possible productivity, but a study published by the British Journal of Psychology reveals that background chatter concerning topics unrelated to the task at hand has a detrimental effect upon employees – even if they are not taking part in the conversation.
Chairman of the Sound Agency, Julian Treasure, explains; “Nobody can understand two people talking at the same time.
“Now that’s key when we’re talking about open plan offices, because if I’m trying to do work, it requires me to listen to a voice in my head to organise symbols, to organise a flow of words and put them down on paper.”
Researchers found that the ability of participants in memorising passages of text or completing simple mental maths puzzles was damaged by background noise, thus forming an argument against open plan workplaces.
However, several benefits have come to light that cast an altogether more favourable light on the more versatile office structure. Firstly, younger colleagues find it easier to approach more experienced workers for advice or help in this more informal setting, improving their output and chances of promotion within the company at the same time.
And, surprisingly, other studies show that too little noise can also have a negative effect upon workers’ performance. Background chatter – in moderation – can actually help productivity levels rise.
Alexi Marmot, lecturer at University College London (UCL), believes that the bond allowed to form between workers in open plan offices is hugely beneficial to them personally and therefore the company as a whole. Quieter offices make it harder for employees to share confidential conversations and as such encourage the bottling up of issues.
Perhaps the solution simply lies in a workplace that offers the best of both models. Designated “quiet zones” could allow those with a lot on their minds the peace to work alone, while multi-taskers can chatter or type as the mood takes them. In this way no-one’s productivity would suffer.
Previous Post
Who Works in a Place Like This?
