How to Thrive in an Open Office Environment

Open office environments have layouts without cubicles and constricting workspaces. Here, we look into how to thrive in an open office environment, including ways to improve your productivity and set boundaries.?

By Brandi Fowler

The pandemic shifted how we work, and conducting business in open office layouts is becoming more of an option in some industries.

So, what are they? Office environments without cubicles and individual confined spaces. They often include numerous seating options and community areas like kitchens and lounges.?

While WeWork, Impact Hub, Industrious Office, and District Cowork are some of the largest co-working spaces in the U.S, some companies have shifted workspaces to open layouts, instead of reserving a co-working space.

“Open office environments are best for employees who prefer to be part of a big, friendly team but who still need some privacy,” said career coach and resume writer Matt Warzel. “This style of office allows for more collaboration between co-workers and also more private space for individual work. The open-office environment is one of the most prolific office layouts on the market today.”

But open office layouts have pros and cons like a typical office structure.?

“While it has its advantages, such as allowing audio and visual collaboration, this layout also comes with certain disadvantages: a lack of privacy, limited space and office equipment, lack of sound control, non-private phone calls, lack of power outlets and social isolation,” Warzel said.?

According to The Conversation US, research showed that open office environments “can be stressful”, adding “the office noise experienced by participants in such a layout can worsen negative moods at work by 25% and sweating by 34%.”

Thus, knowing how to thrive in an open office environment is imperative if your job lands you there. I chatted with Warzel and mindset and career coach Niki Woodall for best ways to do that.

Evaluate How You Work Best When Determining How to Thrive in an Open Office Environment

Conduct a self-assessment to determine how you can excel in an open office layout. Be aware of the pros and cons, consider factors that can affect your productivity, and how to resolve them.?

“Most of our attention spans are short these days, bordering on non-existent,” Woodall said. “I think it always starts with us. We have to evaluate our patterns, be ruthlessly honest with ourselves and self-aware.

“If I’m consistently chatting with someone a little too long every day or irritated by so and so's eating at their desk, it is up to me to fix the problem. We can figure out better systems and routines. At one point I worked from the outdoor rooftop or cafe area [in my open office environment almost] every morning to get quiet, focused time.”

The effects of working in an open office environment vary by individual. It can encourage people to go above and beyond, encourage collaboration, and foster creativity, Warzel said.??

“[Or] employees that prefer quiet working space may feel uncomfortable in an open office environment,”? Warzel said.?

So, it is imperative to analyze what works and does not work for you.?

Set Boundaries in an Open Office Environment?

A large part of your self-assessment should include the need for boundaries.?

Certain open office layouts have private offices, but if you do not have one, set boundaries with your co-workers. No doors will keep anyone from walking up to you in the middle of the work day.?

“A somewhat passive-aggressive way [to set boundaries] would be noise-canceling headphones,” Woodall said. “They are a universal signal to others that it’s time to really focus. A better way to set boundaries is to tell others how you are feeling and why. Communication is always paramount for boundary setting. I shifted from calling it ‘boundaries’ to now ‘limits.’ For example, my limit for ‘water cooler’ chatting would be five minutes instead of 15.”

Be conscious of your surroundings. And respect others' work schedules and limits, Warzel said.

“Respect privacy by knocking before entering someone's office or cubicle, or calling ahead if you need something from another employee,” Warzel said. “If people engage in conversation with you when they are supposed to be working, switch their focus back to the task at hand by asking, ‘Are you working on that now?’ to set boundaries with co-workers in an open office environment.”?

Also, remember why you need boundaries at work to be more effective at setting them.??

“Setting boundaries is not about you or making yourself feel better,” Warzel said. “It is about creating an environment that allows you to be productive and happy – not only for yourself but for your co-workers as well. Once you understand the benefits of boundaries, communicating them becomes easier.”

How to Be More Productive in Open Office Environments

Diversions can abound in open office environments, so keep tabs on your productivity and resolve anything that shifts it.?

“When working in an open office environment, it's important to maintain focus,” Warzel said. “Maintain a consistent schedule for your day and do not let distractions get in the way of your goals. Try to keep noise levels low so you can stay on task. Focus on one thing at a time and don't multi-task.”?

“Another way to maintain your focus in an open office environment is by being gentle with yourself. Don't get frustrated and angry, but don't try to work harder than you need to either. Look at what you have done so far, and do a little self-evaluation before you begin a new task. ‘Is this something that I need to do?’ If so, do it now and move on.”

To help improve your focus, Woodall emphasized the importance of knowing what best works for you and applying it.

“For some, it means going into the office early or working later when everyone leaves,” Woodall said. “If your company gives you flexibility to create more customized working hours these are great options. Otherwise, try booking meeting rooms for privacy during time blocks when you personally have your most productive workflows.”

Meanwhile, Warzel suggested separating personal communication from work communication to help.?

“For example, if you are on a call with a co-worker who needs clarification on an issue, ask them to email or send a follow-up text,” Warzel said. “That will ensure both parties are focused on the task at hand and not distracted by other conversations happening around them.”?

Working in an open-office environment can be an adjustment, but going into it with a plan helps. Do a self-assessment to determine how to work best in an open layout, set boundaries with your co-worker,? and do what you can to prevent distractions to increase productivity.?

Top Takeaways

How to Thrive in an Open Office Environment

• Do a self-assessment to determine how to work best in an open office layout.?
• Set boundaries with co-workers to prevent getting off task.?
• Understand the pros and cons of office layouts and how to manage the cons.?
• Identify what helps increase productivity in an open office environment, like booking privacy rooms and adjusting your work hours to off-peak times.