How do you design a hybrid workplace that is both open and private?

Almost all modern workplaces are designed as open and inviting but the requirement of privacy may be different for different teams which needs to be kept in mind before a cookie cutter design gets approved, implmented due to lack of time by due to lack of time by when it has to be delivered. Another important element is the use/ over-use or under-use of Acoustics in such an open environment where-in right from Size of Workdesks, screens, partitions, Ceiling, Walls and Flooring materials - all come into play for different levels of privacy creation apart form closed Quiet Rooms, Meeting Rooms etc. for individual requirements.

A hybrid, flexible workplace can offer many benefits in terms of versatility, but an understanding of what is needed, and why is first required for any meaningful design. For example: hot desk, no-monitor, cubicles cater to quick tasks during brief in office periods, ensuring efficiency without fussing over desk bookings. Whereas enclosed booth desks can enable privacy for focused communication, ideal for phone calls or virtual meetings. Elsewhere use of electric glass technology in meeting rooms offers adaptability—transparency for open discussions and opacity for confidential sessions. This approach optimizes flexibility, efficiency, and privacy, aligning the physical environment with business objectives in a concise and impactful manner.

Organisations needs to design human collaboration centric "workspaces" and not just vanilla meeting rooms because the work can happen anywhere these days. To ensure that teams in hybrid work environment can collaborate seamlessly, people need a frictionless secure collaboration technology platform which can enable communication between the physical and digital aspects of the workplace.

It's broad topic and there is no one-solution-fits-all. As a rule of thumb, I think human-centric approach is the key. Start the design process with conversations with end-users directly. Then gradually move on to space planning and details. These days, most consultants / designers could produce beautiful, quality and trendy workplace, but it is the extra human touch that sets the design apart. After all the idea of workplace has transformed from traditional 4 walls 1 desk, to open office, to now 'anywhere' 'anytime'.

In my opinion greater emphasis on different categories of soft seating furniture can be the key here which provides flexibility of both open working and when needed private spaces where one can move away from the noise clutter for focused working with some examples like - working pods, phonebooth, extended lounge seating designs, poufs, lounge chairs with laptop stands.

La naturaleza del trabajo - y de los negocios - es cambiante. Cuando se dise?a un espacio hay que considerar que la organización puede cambiar de forma cualitativa y cuantitativa, y un lugar de trabajo que te obliga a hacer una inversión cada vez que cambia la organización... no es una buena idea. ?Cómo se puede conseguir? Hay oportunidades en espacios que no tengan un solo uso, sino múltiples usos (un ejemplo muy claro es el comedor que se usaba pocas horas al día y el resto del tiempo quedaba vacío... ?no podríamos aprovecharlo para otras actividades?) y siempre considerar la forma de transformar - con poco tiempo y poca inversión - el espacio: una sala de reunión que puede ser una oficina privada con un simple cambio de mobiliario.

In my opinion, the workspaces ( that includes individual desks, meeting rooms, jump spaces) should be frictionless, easy to access and provide users with the tools and devices to perform the work in efficient and inclusive way. Having a mix of both bookable and adhoc meeting spaces ("Jump spaces"- where people can jump-in and finish that important meeting/ call and free that space once done) are required. Organisations needs to plan for more workspaces which are flexible, nimble & agile ( 2/48 pax, on-demand expandable spaces)

He trabajado en oficinas abiertas pero para cada departamento, en mi caso de Rrecursos humanos, donde todo el ambiente era colaborativo y de multiuso. Entregaba un buen espacio de trabajo, tambien la privacidad para tratar temas que solo nosotros debiamos conocer. Esto nos permitio desarrollar una intimidad profesional de gran nivel, a la vez que la comodidad y espacio nos ayudaba a desarrollar nuestras funciones sin inconvenientes. Un espacio comodo pero a la vez que te entregue la privacidad que necesites es importante de cara al manejo un sistema hibrido de trabajo

Según mi experiencia, dise?ar para la flexibilidad es un aspecto clave para crear un lugar de trabajo híbrido. Por eso, se ha procurado ofrecer una variedad de configuraciones que puedan acomodar diferentes modos de trabajo, como enfocado, digital, colaborativo, social y de aprendizaje. Por ejemplo, se ha dispuesto de escritorios, salas de reunione y cafeterías, entre otros. Una utilidad que he visto de contar con tecnología como Internet confiable, videoconferencias, almacenamiento en la nube y sistemas de seguridad, etc., es que permite una conectividad y accesibilidad perfectas para los trabajadores remotos y presenciales. Así, puedo mantenerme en contacto con mi equipo, compartir información, resolver dudas, coordinar acciones, etc.

Designing a hybrid workplace that's both open and private hinges on breaking down the psychological barriers associated with flexible work (i.e. a culture of trust, free from stigma or guilt). This requires tech that offers transparency while respecting privacy. A flexible design should also reinforce a consistent culture across the business and avoid micro-cultures being established from line-manager to line-manager. With the right tools, employers can create an environment where flexibility is visibly valued and seamlessly integrated into daily work life. This encourages openness and inclusivity while allowing for work preferences and privacy.

Privacy is fundamental, Creating workspaces which enables privacy are certainly required. For example, designing APRs( Audio Privacy Rooms) in which people can perform tasks without interruptions and distractions are needed in this hybrid work setting. People should have access to communications platforms which respect user & data privacy and can provide audio and video privacy ( background noise removal, corporate approved video backgrounds) even if users are working from home / somewhere between home and work.

Según mi experiencia, dise?ar para la privacidad también significa respetar los límites personales y profesionales de los usuarios, como sus datos, identidad y preferencias. Por eso, siempre me aseguro de proteger la información confidencial de mi equipo y de las partes interesadas externas, usando sistemas de seguridad, contrase?as, cifrados, etc. Una utilidad que le he encontrado a nivel profesional a crear una cultura de confianza y transparencia, en la que los usuarios se sientan cómodos y seguros al compartir sus ideas, comentarios y preocupaciones sin temor a ser juzgados o represaliados, es que mejora la comunicación, la colaboración y la innovación de mi equipo.

It's crucial to weave privacy into the very fabric of the design. Post-COVID, as digital interactions surge, the need for both acoustic and visual privacy has escalated. Design spaces that offer seclusion not as a luxury for a select few, but as a fundamental right accessible to all. This extends beyond the physical realm, encompassing the sanctity of data, identity, and preferences. In this digital age, privacy isn't just a feature; it’s a cornerstone of a successful, inclusive hybrid environment

And teaching users the behaviours required in any given space is paramount to the success of that environment. The best designed privacy spaces, for example, won't work if someone uses that space to take a call.....so it's about the physical space AND the users behaviours.

Es terrible llegar a un lugar y encontrar gente hablando por teléfono en el vestíbulo del ascensor o en el ba?o. Puedes hacer una oficina vibrante y colorida, llena de amenidades y "efectos especiales"?como toboganes y café de barista... pero si no hay privacidad, nada de eso funciona. La privacidad es clave, lo que no es necesario es hacerla "exclusiva" para unos pocos, sino hacer que sea disponible para todos. Si necesitas privacidad en algún momento, y tu lugar de trabajo no la ofrece, simplemente no funciona.

Think beyond physical layout; it's about fostering a culture that supports fluid communication and collaboration. Think beyond traditional office designs: incorporate communal areas that invite informal chats and brainstorming sessions. Design versatile spaces with movable furniture to encourage spontaneous gatherings. Integrate technology that connects remote and on-site teams effortlessly. Foster a culture where innovation and experimentation are the norms, where barriers are dismantled not just physically, but mentally. That way openness is embedded not just in the architecture but in the ethos of the workspace.

Primero trabaja para que tu organización tenga una cultura de comunicación y colaboración. Así como tener una sala de innovación - muy de moda últimamente - no los convertirá en innovadores, un dise?o de un espacio abierto y variado no es suficiente. Sin duda es un facilitador, incluso puede ser un acelerador... pero el frío no está en las cobijas.

Oliver Baxter - I’ve don’t agree - I think the solution you discuss is a group think bubble that needs bursting - ping me if you’d like to debate!

Una utilidad que le he encontrado a nivel profesional es a fomenta la comunicación y la colaboración entre los usuarios. Por eso, he implementado plataformas digitales y herramientas de colaboración que permiten a mi equipo trabajar de forma sincrónica o asincrónica, según sus preferencias y necesidades. Así, podemos compartir información, resolver dudas, coordinar acciones, etc., sin importar dónde y cómo trabajemos. Según mi experiencia, dise?ar para la apertura también significa facilitar interacciones informales y espontáneas que fomenten un sentido de comunidad y pertenencia. Por eso, aprovechamos los espacios abiertos y acogedores, como cafeterías y salones, que invitan a mi equipo a socializar y generar sinergias.

Post-covid, the focus has shifted from illness to wellness. The Modern Workspaces needs to be designed & operated in a way that should provide a sense of security and safety to the users. Workspace Technology should be pervasive and should be able to measure the environmental variables like air quality, ventilation, Noise levels etc to ensure the collaboration among user is healthy and safe. There is an immense need for IT and Facilities teams in organisations to come together and design the workspaces.

In my opinion, designing a workplace for wellness starts with designing for flexibility. Without flexibility how do people have the opportunity to use the tools you're already paying for, at an optimal time for their needs? Providing access to benefits and providing opportunity to use them (guilt-free) are two sides of the same coin.

Designing workspaces requires a deep dive into actual employee needs, not just surface-level perks. Let's shift from just offering variety to creating spaces with intention, sparking innovation and connection. Observe, refine, and dare to align offices with core values rather than trends. Future workspaces must be agile, fostering creativity and collaboration, continually evolving with the human element at their core. It's about crafting experiences, not just offices.

I have heard numerous times leaders complaining about not having time for site/workplace All Hands events, and I would encourage you to revisit that thinking if you find it familiar. These meetings give you a very reliable way to disseminate decisions and the why behind them, as well as open up the stage for productive questions and discussions. I highly recommend using tools for managing Anonymous questions and being available to all concerns without dismissing them. One hour of your time being transparent and supportive can save hundreds of brooding hours across the organization.

Designing for experiences - absolutely on point! A workspace users perception of the space is the designers reality. People remember how they felt long after the experience has ended.....we want workspaces to create feelings in workers that make them want to come back for more.