Yet another study shows that open office plans are terrible

Over the years, a number of studies have found that open plans have detrimental effects on work habits.

Today, about 70% of all US offices are “open concept” — no cubicles, no partitions, no private desks: just rows of tables and computers, with employees sitting shoulder to shoulder.

Yet another study shows that open office plans are terrible

This type of work environment is championed for encouraging interaction, collaboration, and openness…

But research tells us otherwise

A recent study out of Harvard Business School that tracked an office redesign from a cubicle to open space found that face-to-face interaction actually decreased by 72%, and workers become far less productive.

Over the years, a number of other studies have found that open plans have similarly detrimental effects, including:

  • An average 15% decline in productivity
  • A 50% increase in the likelihood of getting sick
  • An increase in the number of distractions per hour

In fact, as many as 60% of employees who work in open floor plan spaces report being dissatisfied with them.

So why do employers insist on using them?

It’s simple: Open office spaces are cheaper than traditional office spaces. All that’s really needed are a few long tables and some chairs.

They’re also more flexible for startups that anticipate rapid growth (it’s easier to squeeze a few more people at a table than find more floor space for another cubicle).

And lastly, it makes it a hell of a lot easier to pelt Dave from sales with a Nerf gun dart from across the room.

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