Did you know that open plan offices have been around over a century?

They arose in response to changing work practices, technological advancements, and shifts in work culture.

It was in the early 20th century that they first emerged, due to the rise of industrialisation. Frederick Taylor, a pioneer in scientific management, was one of the first to advocate for open workspaces to improve communication and efficiency among workers.

Later, the concept became even more popular in the 1920s and 1930s. This was partly thanks to the influence of architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright, who designed open office spaces with flexible layouts and movable partitions.

In the 1950s and 1960s they also enjoyed a resurgence. You might have noticed open plan offices in the popular drama Mad Men, which depicts ad-men working in Madison Avenue in the 1960s. However, they still also used glass partitions to create more privacy when needed.

The 1970s saw further experimentation with open plan designs, influenced by the rise of Silicon Valley and the tech industry’s emphasis on innovation and teamwork. However, criticisms also emerged regarding noise, distractions, and lack of privacy.

Open plan offices from the 1990s to the present day.

Open plan offices became increasingly prevalent in the 1990s and early 2000s, fueled by the dot-com boom and the desire for more flexible, collaborative work environments. Many tech companies, startups, and creative industries embraced open layouts as a way to foster creativity and communication.

Despite being popular, there are various issues with open plan offices. 

There are potential negative effects on productivity, privacy, and employee well-being. Some companies have responded by incorporating elements of “activity-based working” or providing alternative spaces for focused work and meetings.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were new challenges to open plan offices. Partitions become more popular concerns about social distancing. Concerns about hygiene led many companies to rethink their office layouts. Many introduced measures such as spaced seating, partitions, and remote work options to address these concerns.

Open offices continue to be some of the most popular designs, for a number of reasons. 

For starters, open-plan layouts encourage communication and collaboration among employees. With fewer physical barriers, it’s easier for colleagues to interact spontaneously, share ideas, and work together on projects. However, you might wish to have more privacy in certain situations, which we will be exploring later on.

Open plan designs are also generally more cost-effective. They typically require less square footage per employee compared to traditional enclosed offices. Such layouts allow companies to accommodate more employees in the same space, reducing the cost of hiring a space.

Open plans offices offer more flexibility. 

You can easily change your workspace arrangements when needed. Furniture and partitions can be easily moved or rearranged to accommodate changing needs or team sizes, promoting adaptability within the office environment.

In Out Solutions offer highly handy plaster and glass partitions to make this process extremely easy.

Encourage a sense of camaraderie.

By removing physical barriers, open-plan offices create a sense of unity and community among employees. This can enhance company culture, promote camaraderie, and strengthen team dynamics.

You can also enjoy more natural light, along with better air circulation. Open-plan designs often allow for better distribution of natural light and airflow throughout the workspace, creating a more pleasant and energising environment for employees.

Monitor employees and provide valuable feedback. 

For managers, open-plan offices provide better visibility and supervision of employees, which can enhance monitoring, feedback, and support for individual and team performance.

An open layout can promote transparency within your organisation. Employees can observe what others are working on, fostering a culture of openness and sharing of information.

Why privacy is often vital for an open plan office, and how to achieve it.

Despite these benefits, open-plan offices also have drawbacks, such as noise levels, distractions, and reduced privacy.

In Out Solutions work with companies to help with their office design strategies or implement hybrid models that combine open-plan and private spaces.We regularly carry out commercial refurbishments for clients in and around the city of Leeds, West Yorkshire.

Our wide range of quality products include:

• Single and double glazed partitions
• Industrial glass partitions
• Acoustic glass partitions
• Glass dividers for remote workers at home
• Warehouse partitions

Our services also include office refurbishments, including installing suspended ceilings, commercial flooring and introducing receptions, kitchens, canteens and washrooms.

We’ve been praised for both our products and workmanship, along with our first-class customer service. If you want to know more about any of our services, we’re always highly responsive to any enquiries.

Whatever your project, we provide an expert project management service throughout the process.

Find out more about high quality glass and plaster partitions. Or don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.