The open office concept has been around for a long time. Industrialists like Frederick Taylor and Henry Ford popularized the efficient floor plan in the early 20th century. Later, the increase of knowledge workers brought about an evolution where open plans included cubicles and panels. Mobile technology now allows workers to be nomadic. Instead of "owning" a specific workstation, some coworkers share space as they are in and out of the office. At one time, even the mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg, promoted an open plan to signal his accessibility, encourage collaboration and promote a more egalitarian workplace.
But the open office concept has received pushback recently. In Susan Cain's popular TED talk, she spoke for many introverts who find open offices challenging.
Now, most of us work in open plan offices, without walls, where we are subject to the constant noise and gaze of our coworkers
Introverts aren't the only ones complaining. Many of us need focus time during the day away from distractions and interruptions. So, is the open office concept right for you and your office? Here are a few tips to help you answer that question.
