An open office plan calls for removing physical walls and creating a large, open and activity-based workplace to promote co-worker collaboration and job productivity. Instead of closing off employees in cubicles, open plans have areas for conversation and interaction to enhance spontaneous brainstorming sessions and idea-sharing. The lack of walls or other obstacles allows freedom of movement and the ability to change the floor plan based on the needs of the company at any given time.

open plan spaces when designed in the right way, as many issues with this layout, are rooted in how they are set up and utilised, rather than simply being open plan.

Advantages of the open-plan office layout include increased collaboration and creativity, as well as an improved company culture. Additionally, a great benefit of the open-plan office is the flexibility and agility it brings, with opportunities to move around a space based on activity. 

The key to making an open plan office environment work for your business is to understand just how it can help your team, and make sure you're utilising it in a way that will help you to achieve this. Without further ado, here are some of the fantastic benefits of an open plan office

What is an open office plan?

The open office layout places coworkers into a large singular space that is void of most physical barriers in the hopes of promoting better collaboration and improved job productivity. Essentially the opposite of the cubicle design method, an open office allows individuals to see one another, thereby increasing the likelihood of spontaneous brainstorming sessions and idea-sharing. Typically, office equipment and other resources are available within the same open room as all staff members. The lack of walls or other obstacles allows freedom of movement and the ability to change the floor plan based on the needs of the company at any given time.

Here are some of the design ideas for your office space:

CO-WORKING OFFICE LAYOUT

Co-working spaces are formed with an open office layout in mind. They usually have a good amount of open seating spaces, as well as a layout that is not as restrictive as a typical cabin/cubicle layout. The system of co-working spaces is such that it is not owned and run solely by a firm or company. Instead, it works on a daily/weekly/monthly rental basis, wherein different companies, teams, or even individuals can rent a spot within the co-working space to use as an office.  Such a system works especially great for startups, or just about any individual who requires a space to work productively. 

Co-working spaces have become a trendy and sustainable pick. They are expected to grow exponentially in number over the next couple of years, as the demand for shared workspaces increases.

TEAM ROOMS FOR LAYOUT

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The team-based office layout is a newer take on the traditional meeting room where desks and resources are arranged according to teams. There is still a feeling of openness for the employees, but the way that they are grouped within the open office plan is much more structured.

 Individuals involved in the same projects or working in the same department can enjoy much more effective communication and project completion when grouped together. Some team-based office layouts provide a physical enclosure for teams where privacy issues are concerned.

PARTITIONED LAYOUT

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A half-partitioned office layout is a great compromise for companies that want the best of the cubicle layout and the open office layout. Rather than being encompassed by the isolating walls of a full-sized cubicle, employees are separated by a low partition. 

This style of office design gives employees privacy when seated, while still maintaining a sense of openness. Individuals can focus on their work without visual distractions but have the option of open and easy communication with co-workers.

FULLY OPEN OFFICE FLOORPLAN

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The open office layout has little to no partitions separating co-workers. This type of design is popular among tech companies as well as businesses that want to adopt a modern aesthetic to their office space. 

The open office layout is most effective with businesses that use the latest technology. Laptops and tablets allow for mobility within the work setting, which means employees are not physically tied to any one particular desk.

SEAMLESS WORKSTATIONS

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Whether you are a part of a group of employees or working independently, working spaces have a bunch of different options incorporated into one space. From seating setups tailored to individuals to workspace setups to accommodate groups of people, co-working spaces have it all.

 Such spaces also have extra cabins that are rented out or used on a sharing basis for when one needs to host a meeting or needs some privacy. This makes co-working spaces just as effective and useful as a regular office, without the added cost. 

MODULAR MULTIPURPOSE WORK DESKS

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laid and seamless office designs are fairly new. Unlike the typical cabin and cubicle design, this layout follows a more open concept. The idea is to create a design that is open not just in terms of layout but in terms of communication and work too. Studies have been conducted and proved in affirmative that open workspaces are more conducive to conversation, collaboration and increased productivity.

It is thus a good idea to ditch the walls and partitions and create a more open design. You can simply zone through furniture or architectural features instead of literal barriers. This fluidity also needs to be extended in terms of work spaces, giving mobility to the employees to work in just about any place in the office that suits them the most.