Do you work from an open office and are wondering if there is anything you can do about privacy? Well, it is possible to create and enhance privacy in such a set-up. Open offices have become a popular choice for many businesses because they promote collaboration and allow employees to easily communicate with one another. However, some people find them quite disruptive because of the lack of privacy.
Due to a lack of privacy, some workers might feel like they are constantly being watched or judged which can lead to increased stress levels. As a matter of fact, studies show that productivity levels may be inhibited in open offices due to the lack of privacy.
If you are one of those people who struggle with concentration and privacy in an open office, there are a few things you can do to help yourself out. There are a few things you can do to try to create more privacy for your workers in an open office:
Install Desk Dividers
If you have several workers in an open office, it might be a good idea to install desk dividers. This way, each person will have their own space that is somewhat separated from the rest of the office. This can help to reduce distractions and create a more private space for each individual. Desk dividers are also quite affordable and can be found at most office supply stores.
Partitioning Walls
If you have a bit more budget to work with, you might want to consider partitioning walls. This can be a great way to create more privacy for your workers. Partitioning walls can also help to reduce noise levels in an office. If you are looking for a more permanent solution, partitioning walls might be the way to go.
Space Out Workstations
As the office manager, you might want to consider spacing out workstations. This way, each person will have more personal space and won’t feel so cramped. If possible, try to put some distance between each workstation. This can be a great way to create more privacy for your workers.
Most commercial offices have so much free space, but it’s wasted in long aisles or too much circulation space around the perimeter. If you can, utilize some of this wasted space to create more privacy for your workers.
Get Filters for Monitors
If you use computers in your office, you might want to get filters for the monitors. This way, people walking by will not be able to see what is on the screen. Filters are quite affordable and can be found at most office supply stores.
A privacy filter for a monitor is quite effective in that it limits the viewing angles of the screen to only those seated directly in front of it. This means that people walking by will not be able to see what is on the screen.
Invest in Large Office Seats
If you have a lot of workers in your office, you might want to invest in large office seats. This way, each person will have their own seat and will not have to share with someone else. Large office seats can be quite expensive, but they are worth the investment if you want to create more privacy for your workers.
Consider Using Curtains
If you have a lot of windows in your office, you might want to consider using curtains. This way, you can control the amount of light that comes into the office and create a more private space for your workers.
When choosing office curtains, be sure to select a neutral color that will not stand out too much. You also want to make sure that the curtains are made of lightweight material so that they can be easily opened and closed.
Make Use of Plants
If you want to create a more private space for your workers, you might want to consider using plants. Plants can help to divide up an open space and create a more intimate setting.
Be sure to choose plants that are low maintenance and won’t require a lot of care. Some great options include succulents, cacti, and snake plants.
Consider Using Room Dividers
If you have a large open space, you might want to consider using room dividers. This way, you can create smaller, more intimate spaces for your workers. Room dividers are quite affordable and can be found at most office supply stores.
In essence, having room dividers gives your workers a sense of privacy, while still being in an open space.
Use Cubicle Walls
If you have cubicles in your office, you might want to consider using cubicle walls. This way, each person will have more privacy and won’t feel so exposed. With the cubicle walls, you can also control the amount of noise that each person is exposed to.
Be sure to choose cubicle walls that are tall enough so that people cannot see over them. You also want to make sure that the walls are made of a sound-absorbing material so that they can help to reduce noise levels.
Set Apart a Quiet Space
If you have a large office, you might want to consider setting apart a quiet space. This way, your workers will have a place to go when they need to focus on their work. The quiet space can be anything from a small room to a large corner of the office.
In the quiet space, you can provide comfortable chairs, desks, and even noise-canceling headphones. This way, your workers can have a place to go when they need to focus on their work.
Wrapping Up
When you are designing your office layout, be sure to keep privacy in mind. You want to create a space that is functional and efficient, but you also want to make sure that your workers feel comfortable and relaxed. By following the tips above, you can create a more private space for your workers. Thank you for reading!
We hope this article was helpful. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to post them in the comments section below.