Q:  Our office is currently furnished with old cubicles for our 30-plus employees.  We plan to buy new furniture and are debating whether we should simply go with a newer version of what we have or replace it with an open-office format without walls. Proponents of the open-office say it’ll increase collaboration and prevent employees from “hiding” in their cubicles.  Opponents say it creates too many distractions. Your thoughts?

A:  A couple of researchers out of Sydney published a study last year that was not too kind to the open-office plan, and basically concluded that the benefits of better collaboration often cited to support this design, didn’t outweigh the many drawbacks.  These drawbacks included increased stress due to constant interruptions, high noise level, and lack of visual privacy, all of which led to job dissatisfaction.

Interruptions were the worst problem. Whether they stemmed from loud conversations, phones ringing, or people dropping in, interruptions increase stress and reduce productivity. A major problem with a too-open-office plan is that, yes, it’s great to have a time when we communicate and collaborate, but we also need a time when we concentrate and get work done. And that design doesn’t serve both functions.

Another complaint was the lack of visual privacy.  Employees not only feel exposed to everyone’s gaze -even while eating a sandwich at their desk– they’re also subjected to whatever visual distraction may be going on, whether it’s across from them or 100 feet away.

Then there’s the perceived lack of control over your work area.  Without walls, employees say it’s difficult to personalize their workspace. One worker said it made  them feel “transient”.  Ouch.

So I’d say, do a hybrid.  Lower the height of the traditional cubicle but leave enough wall to offer visual privacy while sitting, and allowing for some personalization of the workspace. Offer height extensions if necessary, and allow (encourage) employees to use noise-reducing headphones.  Consider designating a daily “no-interruptions” hour that everyone respects.

And lastly, don’t forget the importance of privacy.  Have a small conference room where you can schedule half-hour slots allowing someone a way to have a private phone call or face-to-face conversation.     Lear more from fastcompany.com here, and forbes.com here.

©Copyright Eva Del Rio