The office world has changed a lot over the decades. Many once-divided, walled corporate offices have become open-concept collaborative spaces where you can often hear your neighbour drinking their morning coffee. Are people more or less productive in open-concept office spaces? It depends on the individual. But if you are distracted by co-workers asking your opinions on the next office social, it’s time to set some boundaries so you can do your work.
Natural Dividers
Plants are a great divider. They create a semi-transparent barrier from the bustle going on around you. And they add a warm, natural green to your office ecosystem. Choose plants that need lower light levels and thrive in drier environments.
Block the Noise
From simple earbuds to noise-cancelling headphones, something in your ears can tune out your surroundings so you can focus. By the way, some studies show that music can help you be more productive.
Tech Tricks
Turn off the notifications on your devices and shut down your email programs. There’s nothing worse than seeing banners and hearing the ding-ding of messages. Responding to them means your co-workers may keep sending them – or walk over to your desk and start a conversation. Implement a time-blocking system to create specific times when you work, communicate, or have meetings.
Do Not Disturb Sign
Old fashioned? Maybe. But a big DND gets the message across to co-workers. Just be selective when you post it. If you display it all the time, people may ignore it.
Quiet Spaces
If you urgently need to complete a project, book a conference room or work outside the office. If working from home isn’t an option, check out a neighbourhood library. They aren’t just for students anymore – most are fully equipped to host remote workers with laptops.
You may or may not like open-concept office spaces, depending on your work style. But if it’s beyond your control, try creative ways to stay productive.
Do you have any further suggestions? Let us know! Or, if you need office organizing solutions, please get in touch with the Out of Chaos team.
Image by Marc Meuller on Pexels.
