[neoterics]

Are there any studies that show the advantages of open space offices? I loathe them so much, constant distractions with people on the phone, clickyty clacks of tens of keyboards, people laughing & talking loudly etc. etc.

How do people think that this open environment can be conducive to productivity? It just blows my mind. We see such studies all the time about silence, yet most companies (especially in the Bay Area) are moving towards the open space layout. Are they just incapable of rationally thinking about this and doing it just because it's the new and cool thing in town and others are doing it?

I always end up being the most productive during holiday season (I wish our company gave us the option to work from home).

[devindotcom]

Some people work better in those circumstances, believe it or not. I personally don't, but others do - they thrive on being in the midst of activity, are stimulated by it. Both types should be accommodated, I'd say, but it's hard to justify giving someone an office just because they prefer to be alone. Luckily working from home is an option, though, as you point out, not for everyone just yet.

Strangely enough, I actually read very well when at a crowded bar. The background music and conversation, even if it's loud, sort of makes my brain focus on the book at hand, and I'm able to concentrate on it as well or better than I might have in a library reading room. Plus, you know, beer.

[neoterics]

Right, but even if the percentage of such a person is 50%, then you are only catering to half the crowd.

I realize giving an office to everyone is not the best (or the most realistic) solution, but I think a compromise can be found, some parts of our office have these large cubes where 2 to 4 people can sit, this keeps you together with your team and makes for easy interaction/collaboration, but at the same time the high walls surrounding you keep the background auditory and visual distractions to a minimum, this way there is something for both the groups of people.

[neovive]

I think the people who work well in open office spaces are the same people that enjoy working for hours in busy coffee shops. Perhaps, a little of both (noisy and quiet) is ideal and forces you to practice focusing in both situations. The nature of the work is also a big factor.

Personally, sometimes I find it harder to concentrate in total silence, but other times I look for quiet places to relax and read.

[cmelbye]

It's cheaper, it makes informal collaboration easier, it fosters better energy in the office.

Any office layout is going to have tradeoffs. It seems like the problems you have with open space offices could be solved with a pair of noise-canceling headphones?

[neoterics]

Those are the buzz words they use - "collaboration", "energy" etc. but to be honest has there ever been a study done to show if that is indeed the case? Also, I see no reason why those can't be achieved with high walled cube sections.

Our whole floor is open, we have different departments, and even then I mainly see only a single group talking/collaborating, it's not like suddenly the lawyers are more social and are breaking their cliques and interacting with the marketing teams.

With the last sentence, I am going to assume you are more outgoing and extroverted, because a noise-cancelling headphone will not do much to reduce the external stimuli that I'm receiving from my other senses.

I guess there is a certain level of coziness, safety associated when the world is not able to look at me and vice-versa and it may be hard to explain, but it is vital for me to focus 100%, and I'm sure a lot of people towards the introversion end of the spectrum feel that way.