Do Open-plan Office

Systems Really Work?

The Caretakers

Address: 11-17 Canvale Rd,

Canning Vale, WA 6155

Phone: +61 8 9455 3444

Email:

mail@thecaretakers.com.au

Many business owners, employers, and managers have accepted open-plan systems

because they believe that these promote better communication in the office. In addition,

these systems help them reduce building costs. In this regard, most owners look at the

good side of it and neglect the consequences to their workers.

Do Open-plan Systems Really Work?

An article published by the Sydney Morning Herald revealed that 9 out of 10 offices in

Australia are open plan. Many people think that it's the most effective layout due to its

popularity, but office workers say otherwise. Managers see open plan offices as a way to

save money and improve collaboration, but many say that makes for a noisy and

distracting atmosphere in the office. There's the lack of privacy, as well.

A study by researchers from Stockholm

University, which was published in the latest

edition of Ergonomics, monitored 2,000

workers to find out the truth behind open-

plan office spaces. According to them,

employees in open-plan spaces are likely to

take more days off. The risks are higher in

shared workplaces because of infection and

exposure to environmental stress, like noise.

Another Swedish research shows that open-

plan workers have higher blood pressure and

stress levels because they struggle more due

to the lack of privacy.

What System Should Offices Follow?

The effectiveness of an open-plan system depends on the type of work. It's true that

collaboration is necessary, but it's best to take note of how employees want to work.

People have different preferences, which can affect their working pace. One employee

might be good at ignoring their surroundings, while others can be sensitive.

If employees need a quiet environment to concentrate on their tasks, then it's best to

let them have their own office. It doesn't have to be spacious, though. Many

employees find partitions and other enclosed spaces acceptable. If they can work in

peace, their productivity can increase.

Open-plan spaces might or might not be detrimental to the business's productivity.

Nonetheless, it's best to know what working conditions employees are comfortable with to

motivate them to work.

Sources:

http://www.news.com.au/open-plan-offices-make-you-sick/story-e6frfm69-

1111118550887

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/australia/10315165/

Workers-less-satisfied-in-open-plan-offices.html

http://www.thecaretakers.com.au/