Creating Privacy in Open, Collaborative Office Spaces
These days, collaboration is the name of the game in the modern workspace. The walls are coming down, communication is actively encouraged and design focusses on pushing the sharing of ideas. The open office concept, even with office cubicle systems is more open than ever before – so where does that leave privacy?
Why is Privacy Important?
If open concept design fosters some of the most desirable employee behaviors – collaboration, creativity, communication and problem-solving – then is privacy important enough to incorporate into office design. The short answer is: yes!
- Private meetings: There is always a need for a private meeting space, whether it’s to talk to a client one-on-one, meet with employees, hold performance reviews or board meetings.
- Distraction-free space:Once brainstorming and other collaborative sessions are over, employees need a distraction-free space where they can focus without the distractions or interruptions of other collaborations going on around them. Having a quiet space is also about personal preference, and some employees require privacy in order to focus and get their best work done.
So, What is the Solution?
Businesses don’t have to choose one design concept or the other – it’s all about balance. In order for collaborative, open concept spaces to truly work, they need to be balanced with privacy needs and requirements. These will be different according to your company, industry and corporate culture, so a lot of thought has to go into getting the balance right. Some ideas to inspire you include:
- Designated quiet spaces that are multi-use, where an employee can come in to work as they require, whether it’s to complete a task or answer a phone call.
- Screening, which can be mobile (to move as needed for different needs or as a layout changes) or fixed in place. These can screen off lounges or meeting tables, providing visual privacy and reducing distractions. You can also get desk mounted screens that divide different workstations.
- Soft furnishings and noise absorbers ensure that sound doesn’t travel easily throughout the office, allowing people to talk and type without distracting others or making it difficult to communicate. Soft carpets and rugs, noise absorbing panels and white noise machines are all good for creating a quitter space without sacrificing your open concept.
Balance Privacy and Collaboration with Modern Office Cubicle Systems
Original content posted on https://www.befurniture.com/creating-privacy-open-collaborative-office-spaces/
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