
How can design change workplace behaviour?
Compared to the cellular office—in which each employee has their own room with a door—open-plan offices tend to be associated with decreased productivity, motivation, and work satisfaction (Brennan et al., 2002). However, when researching the effects of the open-plan office on engagement, Steelcase found that open-plan offices aren’t solely to blame—it’s about balance. The optimal workspace should counter collaborative spaces with private focus zones; an environment where people can comfortably shift between working with others, and working alone.