Open office design, an approach which maximises large, open space over small, enclosed cubicles or rooms, has increased in popularity in recent years, though it is not by any means a new idea. One of the reasons for the increase is that it is thought to increase efficiency of workflow. Another is that space can often be utilized more effectively without the blocky qualities of cubicles.

Workers in such an office situation tend to communicate with each other more. Ideas are generated and shared more easily and there is a sense of community and an awareness of the bigger picture. Problems may be averted sooner as one employee overhears something from another. These effects can lead directly to increased profits, which is after all the ultimate goal of any business.

The spacious, airy feel of open office design can make employees feel more relaxed; less confined than they would in a cubicle or enclosed office. The increased airflow is healthier, too, though some say it also exposes staff to one another’s germs more readily.

Open office design has its detractors. A 2005 study concluded that employees were actually more distracted under these circumstances. A combination of ringing telephones, conversation, printers and computer noises, and external noise contributed, and employees did not become accustomed to the noise over time. These findings can be attributed not to an inherent defect in open office design, but rather to a poorly executed design.

A smarter approach to an open office design would be to place noisier departments, such as phone pools, at a distance from other staff. Electronics should be accessible, but not necessarily centralised. Additionally, wise use of partitioning can maintain the open feel while adding valuable sound-absorption.

However, an open office design isn’t necessarily right for every business. It’s best suited to those which depend on creativity and teamwork, such as graphic design or magazine publishing. For others, such as law or bookkeeping firms, it’s probably not the best option. An IT company falls somewhere in the middle, and the decision might be more difficult. In this case, a hybrid approach may work best.

If you are considering an office fit-out and have been weighing the open office design, consultation with a design and build firm can help you to reach an informed decision. So much depends on the details of your business. Metro Design Consultants prides itself on working closely with each client to find the right fit-out design for that business. This may or may not be an open office design, depending on the functional and aesthetic needs of the client.

Metro Design’s Managing Director Daniel Taylor has said, “Metro doesn’t have the ego that some of the larger practices might. We’re not precious in terms of design, to the extent that it overwhelms the client. I’m very comfortable sitting with the CEO of a company and understanding what they have in mind.”Flow and maximum efficiency are the key elements upon which the final design is determined.

Are you looking for more information regarding office design? Visit http://www.metrodesign.co.uk/ today!

Are you looking for more information regarding office design? Visit http://www.metrodesign.co.uk/ today!

Author Bio: Are you looking for more information regarding office design? Visit http://www.metrodesign.co.uk/ today!

Category: Home Management
Keywords: office design