Whether it’s the notification bell on office laptops or loud employees taking a call, hundreds of disturbances can distract workers from their jobs. But at the same time, keeping an open office environment, where employees can effectively communicate with each other, makes sure you can leverage manpower for your business.

So, how exactly can you find the right balance between privacy and openness in office interior design? Keep reading as we share our top tips and tricks from Singapore Office and Retail Design.

Why are both Privacy and Openness Essential to Office Design?

Both privacy and openness are integral to an office interior that flourishes and yields maximum benefits. Here’s why:

Privacy:

1. Private spaces (and especially their quiet environments) help employees concentrate on their work.

2. They reduce the stress of communication at all times — which may, in turn, enhance employee well-being.

3. If each employee is given a private space, they can personalize it to their needs.

Openness:

1. Openness allows for communication among employees, which enhances idea-sharing and creativity.

2. Open spaces are super flexible, so you can reconfigure them as the needs of your office space evolve.

3. Open spaces can generally accommodate a greater number of people.

Privacy and Openness: How to Find the Right Balance

Now that the benefits of both privacy and openness have been discussed, let’s delve deeper and learn how to balance them, so you can make the most of both.

Consider Activity-Based Design

Thinking about the activities performed in various office areas can help create a well-balanced design. In other words, create designated areas for particular tasks.

For example, you can set up quiet zones where employees can sit in solitude for focused work. Private rooms can be created for meetings. Simultaneously, large, collaborative areas should be set up for employees looking for communication.

Consider Glass Partitions

If you’re looking for separate but collaborative work zones (that is, the perfect blend of privacy and openness), consider using glass partitions. These allow light to flow throughout the interior, still keeping the space open. At the same time, they divide the workspace into zones so everyone gets their own spot. They also help reduce the noise in the office. In a nutshell, glass partitions divide the office interior while maintaining a collaborative environment.

Manage Noise Levels

One of the biggest problems of an open office is the increased noise levels, which can hinder employee productivity. So, adopting techniques to manage noise levels can cut down on the drawbacks of open plans. Utilizing sound-absorbing surfaces, such as acoustic ceiling clouds, and incorporating plants are two of the many ways to manage noise levels.

Adopt A Flexible Layout with Suitable Furniture

Flexible office layouts mean you can create private spaces and reconfigure them into collaborative ones as and when needed. To achieve the purpose, use flexible furniture items. These can be desks on wheels that you can easily move around. Alternatively, you can opt for modular seating that can be put together (or apart) as per the need of the moment. Floor cushions provide mobile seating space too, while the glass partitions we discussed earlier can also be rolled around the office.

Revise Office Scheduling

Consider implementing flexible/remote work options so your employees can work when and where they want. This reduces the burden on your office interior especially during peak hours, so noise levels are minimized. Alternatively, you can establish quiet hours during the office, when employees are asked to maintain low noise levels. This can help them work with concentration in the timespan you designate. Learn how a hybrid model can work for your office.

Employees Engagement

Cultivating mutual respect can help you create an open office space that holds the benefits of a private one, too. Provide training to employees on office etiquette — and particularly focus on respecting others’ need for privacy. You can also provide noise-cancelling headphones to employees, so they can use them to minimize disturbances while trying to concentrate in open spaces.

Private vs. Open Office Design: Consider Your Employee Needs

In the debate between private and open-plan office designs, the driving factor should be the needs of your employees. Be sure to regularly ask for feedback from your employees, and tailor your office interior according to what they require. Also, periodically assess the effectiveness of your implemented plan, and be ready to tweak it as and when needed. Remember, happy employees mean a happy and healthy work environment!

Looking for office renovators in Singapore to help you put together your private yet open office plan? Get in touch with us today for personalized advice!