An open plan office is a type of office layout where employees work in a shared space with minimal barriers between workstations. This encourages a happier and healthier work environment.
Talk about breaking down walls!
Companies are increasingly adopting open plan offices to encourage social interaction and boost team productivity. Alternatively, they may opt for a mixed approach, integrating both open and enclosed workspaces.
History
The history of the open plan office finds its roots in the early 20th century, when the idea of partitions and cubicles was perceived to be ”fascist” and ”totalitarian” by architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright.
In the 1950s, German consultants Eberhard and Wolfgang Schnelle revolutionised office design by dismantling traditional cubicles and incorporating greenery, fundamentally changing the work environment.
However, cubicles remained more popular for much of the 20th century. The shift towards personal computers, which eliminated the need for expansive equipment. This enabled the growth of hot desking, a practice that aligns perfectly with open office environments.
Benefits of open plan offices:
- Cost-Reduction: Open plan offices require fewer walls and partitions, and allow companies to accommodate more employees in a smaller area. Also, it reduces energy costs, since it’s more efficient to heat up or cool down a common space.
- Increased Communication: When you increase a group’s proximity to each other, it encourages more frequent interactions, and conversations can flow more easily. Information can also spread quicker in an open plan office, as employees can easily share updates and insights with their colleagues.
- Better Teamwork: By increasing communication, it allows for better teamwork and faster problem-solving. Essentially, open plan offices promote a more fluid and interactive work environment.
