Maybe open plan offices aren't all that bad

Editor's note

As someone who works in an open plan office, I can sympathise with many other workers who are once again adjusting to the noise levels, distractions and lack of privacy after the holidays. But maybe we shouldn’t hate the shared work space so much.

As Gemma Irving explains, research shows there are actually situations where an open plan works. For example, if you work in a team, and there are rules like no lengthy shouting conversations from across the room.

Jenni Henderson

Section Editor: Business + Economy

Top story

Research shows open plan offices work for teams who set rules about their space. K2 Space/Flickr

Open plan offices CAN actually work, under certain conditions

Gemma Irving, The University of Queensland

Rather than being distracting, open plan offices can actually work for certain situations.

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