Privacy In An Open Workspace

Did you know that over 68% of all offices have an open floor plan? While this can be aesthetically pleasing, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the best or most efficient option for employees. A study done by Harvard Business School in 2018 found that having an open floor plan in the workplace actually decreases face-to-face interactions by about 70% and increases messaging by around 50%. This is because employees are creating defensive behaviors as a way to achieve privacy.

So, what can employers do? While it’s not always feasible to completely redesign your workspace, there are several options available to create privacy for employees in open floor plan workspaces. We’ve turned to some of our experts from our team here at BOS for advice, here’s what they have to say.

Privacy Booths

Privacy booths are the perfect option for giving your employees a private space to escape from the open office. Not only do they eliminate virtually all sounds from outside the booth, but they also give employees a space to take private calls without disrupting the rest of the office or worrying about being overheard. Most privacy booths will also include a space for a laptop or notebook—some are even large enough to have meetings in!

“Booth-styled solutions are evolving and can include anything from an enclosed style phone booth providing maximum privacy, to diner style booths allowing for a flexible work space away from the open-office. Smaller focus rooms or huddle spaces allow greater concentration and address privacy when heads-down time or private conversations are required. Den style areas are also comfortable options for providing quiet time and privacy breaks from the shared office environment.” - Gretchen Kuzas

Walls, Screens and Panels

There are many different types of barriers that can be erected to create the illusion of privacy in an open workspace. These can be an affordable option for creating an office like feel without having to go through hard construction.

Modular walls are a good option, because not only do they provide privacy, but they also work as a good sound barrier as well.

Screens can be a fun option when trying to also implement color into your office space. They’re also easy to move and redesign.

Panels are also a great option when trying to find a way to create privacy because of their easy installation.

“Screens can provide perceived privacy. Huddle rooms, phone rooms, etc can be provided for separate meeting spaces or individual spaces.” - Carla Schroder

Sound Masking

Acoustics are incredibly important in every workspace, but even more so in an open floor plan. A loud workspace can be incredibly distracting and irritating to employees which can lead to decreased employee interactions as well as a decrease in productivity. By implementing sound masking into your open floor plan, you can minimize the distractions brought on by sound, allowing employees to work in a more comfortable and peaceful environment.

“Sound masking, acoustical treatments such as wall panels, screens and suspended clouds [are great ways to control noise in the workplace.]” - John Fredericks

Office Etiquette

Along with the physical changes that can be made to the workplace, one of our vice presidents also believes there’s more that can be done to create a comfortable working environment within an open floor plan. While it’s important to make the physical changes around the workspace, it’s also important to encourage your employees to be considerate of other people in the workplace.

“Common sense will only take the employees so far. Reminders and clear rules of engagement will make the process smoother. Head phones mean that someone is focused, conversations longer than three minutes should be taken to a conference room, etc. It also important to make sure people have a space they can go to when trying to have a private or personal conversation.” - Kimberly Sullivan

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https://www.bos.com/inspired/how-can-privacy-be-addressed-in-open-working-environment/