Employer Branding
Employer Branding
How the office environment affects the work climate
03 SEPTEMBER 2024
Are open-plan offices good or bad?
An open-plan office is a layout where employees sit together in a shared space instead of in their own rooms. It makes spontaneous conversations, collaboration and knowledge sharing easier, but can mean more noise, interruptions and poorer concentration. Research shows that the outcome depends less on the layout itself and more on whether there are quiet rooms, clear rules and the option to choose a workspace to suit the task.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Easier collaboration and quick check-ins | Noise and interruptions that disrupt concentration |
| Knowledge sharing and community | Less privacy |
| Flexible, space-efficient premises | More sick days according to several studies |
In recent years, office spaces have gone through a range of transformations and trends. From private offices to open plan, playful spaces with ping-pong tables to activity-based environments and home offices. Trends come and go, but one thing remains: your work environment affects you, your productivity and your health.
How open-plan offices affect your wellbeing
Today most companies use an open-plan office, and the trend seems here to stay. The main arguments for open spaces are keeping rent and facility costs down, but also stimulating creativity and social relationships. At the same time, studies show that open-plan offices have reduced verbal interaction between colleagues and contributed to other costs such as higher sickness absence. So what are the real pros and cons of open-plan offices? And how can productivity be improved in your office environment?
Advantages of open-plan offices
- Greater flexibility
Open-plan offices often give you more flexibility and a space that is easier to “move around in”, for example to form temporary working groups, have a quick chat with a colleague or change environment for a while.
- Closer contact with managers and leaders
Many employees feel they get closer contact with their managers in open-plan offices. A thesis from the Stress Research Institute at Stockholm University shows, for example, that they email less, have fewer conflicts and a better sense of community.
- More efficient flow of information
Open spaces can also be a good solution in workplaces where employees need to communicate a lot every day. People in open environments interact more often, although the exchange of sensitive information decreases.
- Easier exchange of inspiration and creativity
An open layout can boost creativity and the spontaneous exchange of ideas between colleagues. Being involved in different projects and discussions can lead to inspiration, innovative solutions and new perspectives.
- Stronger sense of community
Sitting close to your colleagues and managers can contribute to a stronger sense of community, belonging and shared purpose.
Disadvantages of open-plan offices
- Fewer real conversations
A Harvard study shows that face-to-face interaction fell by 70% in organisations that switched to open-plan layouts. Digital communication by email and chat increased instead.
- More distractions
As digital communication increases, so do distractions. Switching context and refocusing on a task after a distraction, such as a digital meeting or an email, can take up to 23 minutes according to a study by the University of California, Irvine.
- Greater risk of spreading infection
Several studies show more infections in open-plan offices and more sick leave compared with traditional offices. A nationwide Danish study shows that people with private offices have on average 5 sick days a year, while those in larger open-plan offices are absent 7 to 8 days. This may be related to stress levels, but also to the higher risk of infection when many people sit together.
- Harder to stay focused
Keeping your concentration up is naturally harder in an environment where other activities are constantly going on, such as phone calls, loud conversations between colleagues and people walking past. Poor acoustics and unnecessary noise can cause stress, fatigue and poorer performance.
- Higher stress levels
In recent years, several research reports have shown a clear link between open-plan offices and higher stress among employees. Reasons given include the noise level, frequent interruptions and the lack of a private sphere.
5 ways to improve productivity in your office environment
We spend almost a third of our lives at the office. Enjoying and feeling good at work is therefore an important factor that affects both private and working life. Whether you work from home, in an open-plan office or a mix of both, here are some tips on how to improve your work environment.
1. Make demands of your employer
If you experience problems in your work environment, talk to your manager, HR or safety representative. Under Swedish work environment law, the employer must ensure that all employees have a good work environment, prevent ill health and take the measures needed to achieve this.
2. Signal when you need to work undisturbed
Are lots of people pulling at you or needing your help? Put up a sign at your desk when you need to work undisturbed. Agree on a shared signal so that all colleagues understand what it means and respect it.
3. Promote a culture that respects personal boundaries
Encourage an office culture that respects personal boundaries. Can you agree on meeting-free afternoons or focus time when you avoid spontaneous questions and other distractions?
4. Put your headphones on
Shut out the noise by putting on headphones if you find it hard to stay focused. This can also signal to colleagues that you want to work undisturbed. If the problem persists, talk to your manager, HR or safety representative. Perhaps you can be offered a private room or work from home a few days a week?
5. Set boundaries for your home office
If you work from home, designate a specific room for work. Productivity increases if you can work undisturbed when you share your home with others. It also helps you switch off and close the door when the working day is over.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about open-plan offices
What are the advantages of an open-plan office?
Collaboration, knowledge sharing and community become easier, and the space can be used more flexibly.
What are the disadvantages?
Noise, interruptions and lack of privacy can reduce concentration and increase stress, especially for those who need to focus.
Are open-plan offices bad for the work environment?
Not in themselves, but they require well-planned acoustics, quiet rooms and clear ground rules. Without these, the risk of stress and sickness absence increases.
What is an activity-based office?
An office where employees choose a workspace to suit the task, for example a quiet zone for focus, meeting rooms for collaboration and open areas for spontaneous meetings.
How does the office environment affect the employer brand?
The office is part of the employee experience and something candidates ask about. An environment that matches your EVP strengthens your employer brand.
Want to strengthen your employer brand? Read more about how Oddwork works with employer branding, from analysis and EVP to campaigns and measurement.
