Open spaces: advantages and disadvantages for productivity at work

Favoured by many companies, from start-ups to multinationals, open spaces have become a must in many organisations. While they bring real benefits, it is important to consider their potential drawbacks for productivity in the workplace. Here's a quick overview.

What is an open-plan office?

An open-space is a workspace where employees work in an open, shared area, usually without partitions or walls to separate them. Open spaces are often used to encourage collaboration, communication and the exchange of ideas between employees. Employees can still have their own workspace, but are in close proximity to each other to interact more easily. Open spaces can also include shared areas for meetings, presentations and breaks.

This arrangement has certain advantages and disadvantages in terms of productivity at work. Here are a few examples:

The benefits of open spaces

• Collaboration and communication Open spaces encourage collaboration and communication between employees, which can make it easier to share ideas and solve problems.

• Flexibility: Open spaces are often modular and can be easily reorganised to adapt to the changing needs of teams.

• They deliver cost savings Open-plan offices: open-plan offices often enable companies to reduce their office rental or purchase costs, by using space more efficiently and in a more optimised way.

• Creativity: By allowing greater interaction with colleagues, open spaces encourage creativity at work, which is why many start-ups are opting for this layout.

The disadvantagess

• Noise and distractions Ambient noise in an open-plan office can be a source of distraction and stress for some employees, which can reduce their productivity.

• Lack of privacy The absence of walls can also mean that employees lack privacy, which can prevent them from concentrating on complex or sensitive tasks, or talking to their customers and prospects on the phone.

• DiseasesOpen spaces: At a time when sanitary practices have become essential, open spaces can also encourage the spread of disease and infection, as employees are often in close contact with each other.

Factors to take into account

In addition, it is important to note that the impact of open spaces on productivity can vary depending on a number of factors such as the nature of the work, type of company, corporate culture, etc. In addition, open spaces can be beneficial for companies seeking to foster a culture of transparency and collaboration, but this may not be suitable for all employees. Some people prefer to work in a more private environment and have their own workspace.
As a company, you should also ensure that you put in place the following measures internal policies to minimise the disadvantages of open spaces, such as excessive noise and distractions, to optimise the productivity and work of your employees.