[eecks]

I work in an open plan office and sometimes I find it annoying. If I come in early, I get about an hour's peace. When people start coming in I hear conversations about kids then sport.. then when people who sit closer to me come in, I obviously have a quick morning chat with them.

The whole thing can be very distracting.

On the plus side, it's never lonely even when I am not talking to anyone. It's easy to see if people are available. It's easier to go chat to people about work.

[EliRivers]

"It's easier to go chat to people about work."

That's a plus for the person who wants to chat. It's a massive negative (far outweighing the positive for the person who gets to chat right now instead of in an hour's time) for the person who was several stacks deep in mental context in chasing down some Heisenbug, or really involved in bashing out just the right code with a head full of flowing understanding. Especially when it's a chat that lasts thirty seconds.

[jpindar]

Sure...if you want to get things done. From what I can tell, most people prefer to goof off as much as possible.

[Aeolun]

I'm going to assume that I'm working in a company that actually rewards productive work.