Open plan offices have plenty of advantages. They’re intended to foster collaboration, create a more relaxed atmosphere and offer unparalleled flexibility – and for the most part, they don’t disappoint. There’s a reason why open plan has become the norm, after all.
That said, the open plan layout is by no means perfect. Like any office concept, it has its flaws; it can be distracting and noisy, for example, hampering productivity rather than promoting it. Plus, there will always be situations where privacy and confidentiality are required – two things that open plan spaces aren’t exactly built for.
Happily, there is a way to have your cake and eat it. By carefully dividing your open plan office, you can get privacy where it’s needed – but without limiting your team’s flexibility and tendency to collaborate.
Five Top Tips From Our Office Interior Design Team
Here are five top tips from our office interior design team to help you divide your space.
Partitions
The easiest way to divide your open plan space is to use products that were designed specifically for this purpose. You can get a wide range of partition screens nowadays, each offering something different. From stylish, minimalist designs to mobile screens and more permanent options, there are plenty of different designs out there to choose from.
Glass Panels
Want to divide your space without making it feel smaller and more claustrophobic? Glass panels are more affordable than they’ve ever been, making them a popular choice for office refits. Beyond simply using glass panels as dividers, you could go one step further and use them to create mini offices for those in need of a little more privacy.
Using Furniture
Dividers and panels aren’t the only way to separate your space – you could achieve similar results more organically by carefully placing your office furniture. Why not think about using tall plants or breakout areas to create the separation you’re looking for?
Considering Acoustics
One of the main reasons for dividing up an office space is to address problems with noise. If this is true for you, there are a number of solutions on the market to help. In addition to installing acoustic partitions, you could consider fitting acoustic panelling to office walls and installing technology like sound masking.
Pods and Booths
If your employees only need privacy occasionally, meeting pods or booths may be the answer. They offer a quiet, distraction-free environment in which to work: they’re not just good for meetings!
Need a little advice? Speak to our office space planning experts today and book your free initial consultation. We also offer a range of office furniture solutions, including procurement.