Choosing an office layout: open plan vs. closed office

 

 

In an open plan layout you are no longer limited by walls, so you can fit more in per square metre, this enables you to be more flexible with layouts and to  

adjust to fit in more people as your business grows. 

The open plan office literally removes barriers between people supporting team communication and collaborative culture. Many  

creative businesses actively use open office spaces to encourage interactions that lead to the best breakthrough ideas and solutions. 

Open plan offices use modular furniture and layouts allowing you to alter layouts as the needs of your business change and support productivity. For  

example, creating hot desk areas or creative spaces.  

By maximising the potential of your existing floor space, you can avoid unnecessary costs such as paying for additional office or storage space. What's  

more, with careful planning, you can eliminate the need for unnecessary partitions and furniture. 

Open spaces allow improved access to natural light and a sense of spaciousness which have a positive effect on wellbeing and stress reduction, helping  

your team perform at its best. 

 

 

 

Collaboration is a huge driver for business but sometimes it can create a lot of noise and one team's collaboration might be another's disruption. It's  

therefore important to explore acoustic solutions to manage noise levels effectively so that the space works for everyone. 

There will also be tasks and meetings that require privacy. Open office designs work best when the plan incorporates private meeting rooms and quiet  

zones to help employees work uninterupted when needed. This also applies when considering some employees' individual needs, for example where  

some people find noise highly stressful anf it interferes with their ability to do their work.  

For some businesses, the ability for their employees to have uninterrupted focus is vital. The closed office layout is characterised by individual working spaces that are either single office or cubicle spaces designed to shut out external activity, reduce interaction and therefore help people focus. 

 

 

Closed office designs provide employees with a distraction-free environment for deep work and maximum productivity. 

There will alwaysbe discussions that require privacy. Closed office layouts help ensure confidentiality and security for sensitive meetings and discussions  

that safeguard your business and client interests. 

Every employee is unique. Closed office designs give the flexibility to customise a space to an individual's needs that reflects their needs and preferences  

and enhances their comfort. 

 

 

While closed offices offer privacy, they can also lead to employees feeling isolated. Phoenix Systems interior designers focus on striking a balance  

between privacy and connectivity, soo that all employees have a sense of belonging and community. 

Effective communication is essential for teamwork. Closed office layouts can create barriers to interaction and team cohesion. You can choose to  

implement improved communication channels and collaboration tools to ensure that your team stays connected and engaged. 

The closed office layout will typically demand more space and be more enclosed than its open plan counterpart. This may mean that you can fit fewer  

people in your available space. 

 

There are great benefits to both these office layouts and frequently many businesses choose to blend elements of both layouts to meet all their needs. This will require careful planning so that the space works effictively for current and future needs. The right mix will help transform your workspace into a hub of productivity and inspiration. Take a look at some of our case studies to see how Phoenix Systems has transformed workspaces accross the South East. To find out more about how you can re-design your office and working spaces, have a chat with our interiors team on 01903 765366.