Some business experts swear that opening up your office space will improve productivity, while others insist that open designs actually have the opposite effect. This can be frustrating when you’re looking for reliable small business tips that will improve efficiency in the workplace. To help you decide whether or not you should adopt the open space model, here are some of the top pros and cons of an open office space.
The Benefits
Open office spaces can encourage office productivity by creating a laid-back atmosphere and encouraging greater coworker collaboration. When employees are grouped together, they are more likely to share creative ideas with each other and communicate more effectively.
The Drawbacks
If you have been wondering how to improve office productivity, providing your employees with an open office space may seem to be the answer. However, this solution doesn’t come without its drawbacks. For example, an open office can hamper employee privacy and may actually increase workplace stress and thus lower productivity. It may also lead to greater distractions, since employees will be able to clearly hear the telephones and conversations of their nearby co-workers.
When it comes to the best small business tips for improving productivity, the ideal solution may be to achieve a healthy balance between open spaces and employee privacy. If possible, give employees their own offices or find a healthy ratio between private and shared open spaces.