We’re currently choosing a new work space for our small oil & gas company, but we’re not sure if we prefer an open concept or closed office workplace. Which plan have you found works the best?

I have worked in many open concept spaces and have managed people in open concept spaces and I really enjoy the group commaraderie that develops, but there are drawbacks when some work requires thought development and concentration.

When there are no "escape zones" from the noise and interruptions and there are not enough small conference rooms for private conversation with staff, the result is sometimes lack of productivity in accounting departments, staff who wear headphones leading to the perception of introverted behavior, staff who are overly protective of their time from interruptions leading to relationship barriers, everyone in everyones business because they overheard a private conversation, managers taking everything out to a coffee shop to talk privately, more requests to work virtually to find time to work through a complex accounting issue or project plan. Performance review preparation cannot be done during work hours due to lack of privacy.

The lack of private space and escape zones from the noise perhaps may not be an issue in operational environments but for accountants its a concern. Open work environments are great, but you need to provide the capacity for privacy as well with fully functioning internet outlets and wifi.

Many accounting managers need a private space or available conference room space daily but companies rarely think about the needs of the accounting team and as a result, there not enough conference rooms available for accounting because of being fully scheduled by operations.

Open space can work, if you provide enough get-a-away availability.