Open plan office is a working environment where all employees work on the same floor and in the same open place. This office layout offers many benefits, such as promoting collaboration, communication, and flexibility. However, they also come with their own set of challenges and downsides, including noise distractions, lack of privacy, and the potential for decreased focus.
In this article, we will provide you with 5 strategies to optimize your open plan office to enhance productivity and create a comfortable working environment, helping you strike the perfect balance between collaboration and individual focus. So, let’s dive in and discover how to transform your open plan office into a thriving and harmonious workspace.
5 Strategies to Create a Productive and Comfortable Open Plan Office
1. Improve Office Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the science of designing the workplace to fit the employee’s needs, aiming to increase efficiency and productivity and reduce discomfort. By adopting an ergonomically correct office, companies can increase productivity, boost employee well-being, and drive more business outcomes.
To create a productive and comfortable open office, pay attention to areas such as computer use, desk postures, chairs, lighting, and overall office equipment placement, all of which contribute to enhancing the comfort and productivity of employees. Invest in ergonomic office furniture such as ergonomic office chairs, adjustable standing desks, and monitor arms. These items will help employees maintain a healthy posture and prevent fatigue and body pain.
Ergonomic Office Chairs Options:
ergonomic office chair
Adjustable Standing Desks:
adjustable standing desk
2. Privacy Still Matters
The open plan office often comes under fire for lacking privacy. Everyone needs to work or communicate at some point, but the open office space makes it virtually impossible for employees to have private conversations or focus without distractions. Here are some tips to bring some privacy back to your open plan office.
Use Partitions
Partitions offer a level of separation and privacy in an open plan office, enabling employees to focus on their work without constant visual distractions or interruptions.
Use Desk Dividers
The fastest answer to maintain some privacy in an open plan office is to use desk dividers. These dividers can create physical boundaries between workspaces, which helps reduce distractions and offers a sense of privacy.
Office Workstations with Desk Dividers:
open plan office workstation
3. Maintain Individual Spaces
Maintaining individual spaces can give employees a sense of control and ownership of their spaces. By offering private lockers, drawers, dedicated desks, or other individual solutions, employees can regain some control of privacy and keep their workspace more organized.
Lockers and Drawers Options:
filing cabinet
4. Noise Control
One of the most common complaints about open plan offices is poor noise control. Office pods are a great option to address this issue. Designed with soundproof materials, office pods can help minimize noise distractions and create a quieter and more focused work environment. They provide a dedicated space where employees can focus on tasks without being interrupted by surrounding noise.
Office Pods Solutions:
office pod
5. Decorate Your Open Office with Plants
Revamping your workplace with plants has various benefits. The use of office plants not only adds visual interest to the decor but also improves the mood and energy of employees. Plants also make natural room dividers, therefore adding a sense of privacy.
Final Thoughts
Optimizing your open plan office for productivity and comfort requires a thoughtful approach and the implementation of key strategies.
By prioritizing ergonomic office furniture and effective acoustic solutions, and providing spaces that guarantee privacy, you can create an environment that promotes collaboration and individual focus. Additionally, providing storage options, shared spaces, and adding some greenery to the office will further enhance productivity and employee satisfaction.
Remember to consider the unique needs and culture of your office as you apply these tips. By investing in the well-being and comfort of your employees, you will create an open plan office that fosters creativity, boosts productivity, and cultivates a positive and harmonious work atmosphere.
