Our Open Plan Office Survival Guide

A lot of offices, especially in recent years are embracing the open-plan format with larger corporation offices resembling hives with their mass of activity. It is claimed that co-working and being elbow to elbow with your colleagues will stimulate your creativity.

However, studies show that not only are you more likely to get sick with so many people breathing the same air. But open-plan offices are said to distract extroverts and overwhelm those with social anxiety.

The lack of physical walls between your colleagues can mean that it’s difficult to stop people from pausing to make small talk about the weekend and other lovely things. While it is important to socialise with your workmates, it is also important that you learn to work in a way that means you get done what you need to.

So we’ve put together a fool proof list on tips to help you cope in an open plan office.

Stay Away Signal

You need to find a polite yet firm way to give off the vibe that you have a lot to get done and that you don’t want to be disturbed. Even something as simple as wearing a set of headphones, even if you aren’t listening to anything can be a good way to ward off unwanted distraction.

Don’t be afraid to specifically tell the person you are busy but do so in a polite fashion. Something along the lines of, “Mary, I’ve loads to get done by 11, can we catch up over lunch later?” As long as you’re polite, they have no reason to be offended.

Change Your Scenery

In an open plan office, conversations can be heard by everyone, which a lot of the time isn’t a problem.

However, if you’re having a meeting with a colleague that requires concentration and organised thought, take yourselves into another room, or go for a stroll. Or if you’re on your break, get away from your desk and out of the office.

Not only will this ensure minimal distraction, but will also give you a change of scenery and allow you some space to clear your head.

Give your desk some personality

Make your desk space a place where you actually want to be, because whether you like it or not, you’ll be spending a great deal of time there. Add some photos of your loved ones, a nice calendar or a little plant to brighten up your area.

Make sure your desk is organised and tidy, see our blog post on Making Your Desk A Haven to make sure you’re work space is just how you need it to be.

Learn The Office Rhythm

Every office has peaks and troughs when there is more hustle and bustle throughout the day. Try to make sure that you’re in the office during the quiet times, where you will be able to focus and get loads of your work done.

Block Out The Noise

Build yourself a super chilled music playlist that will focus you and keep you engaged in the task at hand. This will control the excess noise levels in the office and will allow you to do your best work.

Look after your health

Think of your open plan office like being at school. You will be sharing a room with multiple people for prolonged periods of time at least 5 days a week. Many of these offices will have air conditioning and we’re sorry to tell you that this means you will probably get sick. A few sniffles here and there are normal when in small spaces with a lot of people. Get plenty of rest and look after your immune system to keep yourself in good health.