Open-plan offices decrease face-to-face collaboration: study (inc.com)

Article summary

The article discusses a study from 2018 that found open-plan offices decrease face-to-face collaboration. Although the article's text is not available, the comments suggest that the study's findings are still relevant today. Many commenters agree with the study's thesis and share their own negative experiences with open-plan offices. The discussion focuses on the potential reasons behind the adoption of open-plan offices, including cost savings and increased surveillance.

Main themes

• open-plan offices
• productivity
• collaboration
• cost savings
• surveillance
• office design

What commenters say

• Open-plan offices are not effective for face-to-face collaboration and can be detrimental to productivity.
• The main reason companies adopt open-plan offices is to save on real estate costs, not to improve collaboration.
• Some people would be willing to take a pay cut to work in a private office or cubicle, highlighting the importance of individual workspace.
• The shift to open-plan offices may be driven by a desire for constant surveillance and control over employees, rather than a genuine interest in collaboration.
• The benefits of open-plan offices are often overstated, and the negative effects on employees are underestimated.
• The decision to adopt open-plan offices is often made by executives who do not have to work in them themselves, and may be more concerned with appearances than actual productivity.
• Open-plan offices can be particularly problematic for employees who value privacy and quiet, and may lead to decreased job satisfaction and increased turnover.
• The discussion around open-plan offices highlights a broader issue of prioritizing cost savings and managerial control over employee well-being and productivity.