Opinions are divided. Once, the concept of "open space" barely existed; today, open space is synonymous with sociability and sharing.
On the other hand, a private office offers privacy and peace. The question is which type of space an employer should choose—if the option is available—to motivate employees to work?
What is "open space," and what is a private office? As the name suggests, an open space is an office area without partitions or hallways. This type of workspace allows colleagues to work together in one area. It is usually equipped with desks for two to six people.
A private office is an ideal workspace for companies that want to enjoy the benefits of coworking spaces while still providing employees with privacy.
These offices are equipped with partitions or walls that serve, among other things, as sound insulation. Employees thus have a greater sense of privacy and the ability to keep some confidential information.
Advantages of open space In open space, employees typically occupy an average of four to five square meters. Private offices, on the other hand, are usually larger, ranging from 10 to 15 square meters.
Companies that choose open space can accommodate more employees in a smaller area. This means that open space actually saves space and naturally reduces costs.
It also saves on furnishing costs, as such offices do not need doors, for example, just furniture—chairs, desks, computers, coffee machines, and possibly plants or pictures for decoration.
Another advantage of open space is that managers and employees can work at the same table, which somehow improves communication, speeds it up, and makes it easier to track projects.
Advantages of a private office Unlike open spaces, which can be noisy due to too many ringing phones, private offices are excellent for concentration.
Being constantly surrounded by other people can also be a source of stress, so a private office can be like a safe space for an employee, which they can personalize by bringing their photos, decorating it as they wish, and bringing their plants.
In a private office, all you need to discuss a confidential topic is to close the door. That's something that the open space office concept lacks.
One or the other—or both Open spaces and individual private offices have their advantages and disadvantages. That's why more and more companies are adopting a hybrid model, which is an open space plus individual offices.
Some companies have shared workrooms, meeting rooms, relaxation zones, and isolation areas. This type of space is called a flexible office.