Open floor plan offices aren’t popular among employees, according to a new survey.
Just 28 percent of employees prefer an office with an open office space, while 52 percent want private offices.
The survey from the B2B ratings and reviews platform Clutch flies in the face of design trends dominated by tech giants such as Google which favor communal spaces over corner offices.
In the survey, Clutch interviewed nine businesses across the U.S. to learn what a “typical” office space looks like in 2019.
The survey consulded that whether a business has an open floor plan or private offices, it must give employees their own spaces.
Nearly all employees (98 percent) have an assigned spot at their office — and they desire this space.
More than half of employees (53 percent) value their personal space in the office over any other office space such as places to relax (14 percent), quiet spaces (13 percent), small collaborative spaces (11 percent), and large meeting rooms (11%).
Employees at Wolfe LLC, a technology incubator and investor in Pittsburgh, can customize their space to show off their personality and interests.
“Being able to display important aspects of one’s personal life inspires respect and trust,” content writer and editor Mary Koczan said. “It encourages employees to be successful as individuals and as a team.”
Offices that give employees personal space encourage them to express themselves, which ultimately leads to a culture of acceptance and increased productivity.
While only 28 percent of employees prefer an open-office setting, some businesses thrive in that environment, such as Encite International, a marketing agency in Denver.
Encite International employees work in a co-working space, which provides a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
“We’re definitely more laidback than your traditional … office,” content development manager Sophie Mann said. “We encourage ping-pong breaks, office puppies, and grabbing the occasional beer.”
Digital marketing strategist Catrina Carne, of Amazon fulfillment solutions Geneva Supply in Delevan, Wisc. said, “The office is very unique [and] welcoming. It gives us a great area to collaborate, be comfortable, and just get things done.”
