Open Space: The New Alternative Office Space

Natalia Ferkova
2 days ago
2 min read

If in the past, “office workers” literally meant working in an office, today this expression is much more open than it seems. Indeed, Open Space appeared in the 1960s, thanks to the invention of Robert Probst’s modular offices. Afterwards, first tested in the United States, the concept was a real success and subsequently became established worldwide.

What is Open Space?

Open Space is originally a “physical” concept, i.e. a concept where the type of furniture and layout changes from a “traditional” office. So, there will be desks that allow several people to work together, when originally an office was only meant for one person. Moreover, the layout will also allow little space between people, no walls, no partitions will be needed. So all of this will automatically increase the number of people allowed in a room.

Three focused people work at a table with laptops and notepads in a modern office with white shelves. Post-it notes add color.

What about its qualitative side?

Logically, the qualitative side has a direct link with the physical fit of an open space. Indeed, the open space will allow much easier communication. The first reason is because of the distance factor, which will be reduced, unlike traditional offices, which are closed and often individual. Therefore, the open space will allow direct communication between the interlocutors given their presence in the same room.

Secondly, it will allow a closer proximity between the different members of the team. Naturally, the hierarchy will be less noticeable and will provide better team cohesion. In the past, office space has often been a precursor tool to indicate the hierarchy of a position.Automatically, this can really have an impact on the bonds of a group.

Finally, the open space simply creates team cohesion. So, as you have understood, it is the foundation of teams, discussions, projects, complaints and the productivity of a company. In effect, the current system states that individualities, however good they may be, are not necessarily equal to success. So, it is important for a company to choose a good team, which will make it more productive and allow employees to enjoy their work.

A generational concept?

It is clear that today, with generation Z, work is becoming more and more a means than an end. In fact, this generation is less and less afraid of retraining, of preserving their sanity rather than preserving a job or simply of fulfilling their dreams.

The limits of Open Space?

Open Space is more than a technical concept based on an invention. Actually, it is a real concept that aims to increase the quality of work for both employees and employers. However, like everything else, it has its drawbacks, and isn’t suitable for every personality type. Specifically, for some people, the lack of privacy can be a hindrance that can affect our concentration, but also our feelings about our workspace. This is why companies should feel free to adapt their layouts and can set up mixed spaces .As a result, they would allow them to adapt to all types of employees.