Navigating the dynamics of an open office environment can be challenging when you’ve never worked in one before. There tends to be more conversation and additional distractions that can be difficult to ignore. However, we’ve compiled four tips for working in an open office environment to help you stay productive and respectful toward your coworkers.
Noise can be a significant distraction in open offices. Investing in a good pair of noise-canceling headphones can help you focus on your work. Noise-canceling headphones use microphones and electronic circuitry to analyze external noise and create an inverse sound wave that cancels out the incoming noise.
These headphones help you create a quieter environment, improve your concentration and reduce stress levels so you can stay positive—one of the daily habits necessary to increase productivity at work.
Personal space is crucial, especially in an open workspace. Therefore, our next tip for working in an open office environment is to create some privacy. One option is to use dividers, such as bookshelves or plants, to create visual barriers between workstations.
Another option is using privacy panels. One benefit of privacy panels in open office environments is that they give you more of a sense of personal territory and block out visual distractions.
Open offices often come with dedicated meeting spaces. Use these areas to your advantage. You can hold discussions with team members without disturbing the rest of the office.
Using these rooms will also make it easier for you and your coworkers to focus on your work conversation without worrying about keeping your voice low. You can also retreat to a meeting room if you need an uninterrupted environment for critical tasks or if you need to make phone calls that require confidentiality.
Respect is the foundation of a harmonious, open office. Be mindful of your volume during conversations and calls. Go to the meeting space if you feel you might need space to speak up more. Be sure to also maintain shared spaces, such as kitchenettes and meeting rooms. Treat these spaces with the same respect you would if you were a guest.
While open office settings can take some adjusting to, it is possible to thrive in them. Implement these tips to create a more productive and respectful workspace.
