Office design can spur creativity

One of the trends currently being seen in big corporations is the move towards open offices. An open office is one in which staff has offices with no walls. Occasionally, low cubicles are present, but many firms are eliminating cubicles altogether.

Intel is thought to have started or popularized the use of cubicles, claiming that this layout fosters a sense of privacy while also retaining a somewhat open feeling. Cisco, on the other hand, has moved towards an open office concept that they claim promotes more cooperation and collaboration among staff members. Additionally, Cisco states that this open office concept has reduced their space needs by more than 37 percent.

When JCPenney moved its corporate headquarters from New York to Plano, Texas, it employed 3,600 individuals. In the new space, 80 percent of the offices would be an open concept, so they really had to address acoustical issues.

JCPenney managed the sound challenges in two ways. First, physical acoustical issues were dealt with. Floor, wall and ceiling insulation, as well as wallboard and ceiling tiles were selected to minimize sound reverberation. Secondly, high-tech noise masking systems were used in the ceilings to dampen noise and prevent its spread. The transmission of noise between low wall cubicles was, also, stopped by the use of both padding in the partitions and acoustically absorptive finishes on the furniture. With these issues resolved, the staff at the Plano headquarters really likes their open offices.

In another example, Atomic Object LLC has arranged desks into groups with everyone facing towards the center. While this wall-less environment is challenging, it has fostered a sense of team building not seen before. There is so much more sharing of ideas and cross fertilization since other employees not working on the project being discussed are able to take part in these conversations. At Atomic Object, staff communications have been vastly improved as people do not have to talk over cubicle walls.

Because everyone can see what each staff member is doing, the open office environment tends to hold people more accountable. With their computer screen out there for all eyes to see, going on Facebook or playing a computer game just is not done.

While cubicles appear to give privacy, they are not effective in that people tend to talk louder in cubicles. Furthermore, in an internal survey at Intel, 50 percent of the staff stated that cubicles inhibited innovation. Additionally, cubicles tend to stifle individuality, which is so important in creative business types.

Is an open office for everyone? No. However, for some businesses it can be a perfect fit. Younger staff really can relate to and appreciate the value of openness, and they seem to adapt to this office concept very quickly.

Now go out and take a look at your office concept — not just in terms of implementing an open office design; but rather, in terms of evaluating the effectiveness of your current layout. Walls, by their very design, are barriers to communication and even tend to stifle creativity. See if your office can be laid out in a more effective fashion that will enhance your business and the morale of the staff.

Jerry Osteryoung, the director of outreach for the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship in the College of Business at The Florida State University; the Jim Moran Professor of Entrepreneurship; and professor of finance; can be reached at jerry.osteryoung@gmail.com.