Cubicles and Productivity

Do you work in a cubicle or noisy office environment?  Sound expert Julian Treasure says that open office plans reduce productivity by over 60%.  You can see the short video here:

I used to do HR in a cubicle, believe it or not.  Nothing like having a deep conversation with a manager who is about to fire someone when job applicants can hear you talking on the other side of the cube wall.  What I do remember most about the experience is that feeling of always being "on display" and the sense that I could never fully relax or focus on my job.

If your team works in a noisy environment, just one thing to think about.  We don't always have the luxury of walls, but when we don't - it seems there are consequences.

thanks to Samuli @ the Managers Toolbox for the link.

Comments

[Samuli]

Thanks for mentioning Cheri!

I am running a foreign sales office with no walls (not even cubicles) and no doors. I need to have all confidential discussions outside the office. That's far from ideal situation.