Open Plan Offices: Choosing the Right Office Layout for Your Business

Open plan offices and other office layout types are like the skeleton of your organisation. They provide the base to all the movements taking place in your office. The design needs to be optimised to suit your organisation’s work style and workflow, your brand, and most importantly, your employees. Above all, the different features and combinations of them will mean one office layout type is effective for some but not for others.

You can find countless suggestions telling you how to make an effective office layout and which one is best for your company, especially when comparing open plan offices with other layouts. But how do you really know which one will be an effective office layout for you?

We want to provide you with the resources and information to help you decide which layout will work most beneficial for your organisation. Therefore, this article will discuss how you can evaluate your company and make an informed decision about which office layout design will be best for your company.

Office Layout Types and Open Plan Offices

There are different types of office layouts, including open plan offices, each with their own benefits. It is crucial to consider which one will fit your work environment the best. Harvard Business Review (HBR) noted how important it is to find the right mixture of work style and office layout. Moreover, HBR stated that companies were conducting million-dollar experiments to ensure they raised their output. Most importantly, they did it so they didn’t waste money on choosing the wrong office layout design.

Running expensive experiments may be out of the question, but the example shows just how serious companies are taking office layout revamps. The reason companies are making sure they get it right the first time is because of employee time lost carrying out a move. Whereas, for small and midsize businesses, it will cost between 800–1000 hours to plan and execute a move.

With so much money and time on the line, it’s best to get it right the first time—even when deciding between open plan offices and other layouts. Before we get into how to choose the best office layout design, let’s first go over three of the most common office layout types, including open plan offices.

1. Traditional Office Layout vs Open Plan Offices

This office layout consists of individual private offices that are permanent or semi-permanent. Moreover, it will include enclosed offices and rooms for meetings, with an open reception area for customers and guests.

To get a better image of this type of office layout, you can think of the office on the TV show Suits.

Pros:

• Individual private areas

• Fewer distractions and more concentration

• Provides confidentiality for sensitive information and meetings

Cons:

• Restricted to one layout, difficult and costly to change

• Takes up a great deal of space compared to open plan offices

2. Cubicle Layout vs Open Plan Offices

This office layout type is a semi-open space, where workspaces are made by using partition walls on three sides of an employee’s workspace. With semi-permanent walls made with partitions and dividers, this office layout is more cost-effective than a traditional office layout design. Moreover, the cubicle office layout plan is usually combined with built-in meeting rooms and offices for upper management. To get a better image of this type of office layout, you can think of the office in the movie Office Space.

Pros:

• Individual private areas

• Fewer distractions and better concentration

• Provides confidentiality for sensitive information

Cons:

• Cubicles, walkways and doors can take up valuable space

• Verbal communication is limited compared to open plan offices

3. Open Plan Offices

Open plan offices utilise furniture to divide areas instead of relying heavily on partitions and walls. By using furniture like tables, couches, and chairs, you can create impromptu collaboration areas. Open plan offices are flexible and can easily be expanded, contracted, or reconstructed to accommodate your current office needs.

To get a better idea of what open plan offices look like, you can think of the office on the TV show Mad Men.

Pros:

• More collaboration with fewer emails and calls

• Cost-efficient to expand and redesign

• Easier supervision

• Improved operations and increased productivity

Cons:

• More distractions

• Increased multitasking which may lead to errors

• Lack of privacy

Although there are other layouts available and countless combinations of them, these three—including open plan offices—are the most common office layout plans.

How To Choose an Effective Office Layout (Including Open Plan Offices)

Equipped with a clear picture of what each office layout looks like, including open plan offices, you can begin to visualise which one will fit best for you. However, your toolbelt is not complete.

It’s crucial to take in other factors to accurately determine what the best office layout will be for your organisation. Below we highlight some essential things to consider when implementing an office layout redesign or transitioning to open plan offices.

1. Your Employees and Open Plan Offices

Employees are the foundation of your organisation. The success of open plan offices or any layout depends on how well it supports them. In the book inGenius, Tina Seelig explains how crucial it is to see your space as a habitat that communicates behaviour. Additionally, work environments that are stimulating and conducive to employees’ needs open the door to innovation.

The right layout—whether traditional or open plan offices—can positively affect employee happiness and productivity. A University of Warwick study found that happy employees are 12% more productive.

2. Your Customers and Open Plan Offices

If your business deals directly with customers, the design of your office, plays a key role in shaping their perception. A report by Walker Information highlights that customer experience has become a critical factor in business success. Modern open plan offices can:

• Create a welcoming environment

• Reflect transparency and collaboration

• Showcase your company culture

3. Your Business Work Style and Open Plan Offices

Your workflow is one of the most important considerations when choosing between layouts like open plan offices. As workplace trends evolve, especially with millennials making up a growing percentage of the workforce, flexibility has become essential. Many employees prefer environments like open plan offices that align with their work style.

Takeaways on Open Plan Offices and Office Layouts

With a complete tool belt, you can now start designing your new office layout—whether that includes open plan offices or a hybrid approach. Understanding your team, your customers, and your workflow is crucial. However, that’s only half of the equation—you also need a strong understanding of the different office layout options available. Redesigning your office layout is a significant investment, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Many businesses today are combining it with other layout styles to achieve the best results.

After evaluating your options, you will want to select furniture that complements your chosen layout. Whether you’re designing open plan or private workspaces, choosing practical and comfortable furniture is essential. Finally, if you need help designing your office layout or transitioning to open plan offices, you can always contact us. Our team is ready to help businesses across Australia create smarter, more effective workspaces. Visit our Perth showroom to learn more.