An open office layout is one of the most common workspace designs in today’s commercial environments. Loved for its collaborative nature and space-saving qualities, the open plan office suits startups, creative teams, and even large corporations aiming to foster transparency and teamwork.
But is it right for your business? And how do you make it work in real life not just in theory?
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about open office plans, from layout ideas and design tips to planning considerations that make a real impact.
What Is an Open Office Layout?
An open office layout refers to a workspace design that minimises internal walls and private offices. Instead of a traditional setup with cubicles or individual rooms, desks are typically arranged in shared zones with clear visibility across the room.
Key features include:
1. Few to no internal dividing walls.
2. Shared workspaces or long desks (also called bench desks).
3. Emphasis on collaboration and communication.
4. Flexible furniture arrangements.
The goal is to promote interaction, break down silos, and make better use of available floor space.
Why Are Open Office Plans So Popular Today?
Over the past decade, open plan offices have become the default for many businesses and not without reason. With evolving work styles and the rise of hybrid teams, companies are seeking flexible environments that adapt to change.
Top reasons for their popularity:
1. Cost-efficiency: Fewer construction materials and partitions mean lower upfront fit-out costs.
2. Scalability: Easy to rearrange as teams grow or restructure.
3. Transparency and culture: Encourages team bonding and company-wide communication.
4. Natural lighting: Open spaces let in more daylight, improving energy efficiency and workplace wellbeing.
Open Office Plan Advantages and Disadvantages
Like any workspace design, open layouts have both strengths and potential drawbacks. Understanding these can help you decide if it’s the right fit—or whether you’ll need to make specific design adjustments.
Key Benefits
1. Fosters collaboration: Teams work side-by-side, encouraging spontaneous conversations and quicker decision-making.
2. Boosts flexibility: Easy to reconfigure without major structural changes.
3. Saves space: Better use of square footage with fewer barriers.
4. Modern aesthetic: Clean lines and open sightlines create a contemporary, inviting atmosphere.
Common Drawbacks
1. Noise levels: Without walls, sound travels easily, which can affect concentration.
2. Lack of privacy: Sensitive calls or tasks requiring focus can be challenging in a fully open space.
3. Territorial issues: Some employees may struggle with shared desks or hot desking.
Tip: Combining an open plan with breakout zones and quiet areas helps mitigate these issues.
What Makes a Good Open Office Layout?
Simply placing desks in a large open room doesn’t guarantee success. A truly effective open plan office requires intentional design choices that consider how people work and how space impacts behaviour.
Core elements of a strong layout:
1. Defined zones: Separate areas for collaboration, focus, meetings, and breaks.
2. Good circulation: Clear walkways to reduce crowding and movement disruption.
3. Smart furniture: Modular desks, acoustic dividers, and mobile storage units add flexibility.
4. Balanced lighting: Make use of natural light but avoid glare; supplement with layered lighting.
5. Sound control: Acoustic panels, rugs, and ceiling baffles help absorb ambient noise.
Popular Open Office Layout Ideas That Work
1. Activity-Based Zones
One of the most effective ways to manage an open office is to break it into zones based on task types.
- Focus zones: For solo or deep work.
- Collaborative zones: For meetings and teamwork.
- Social zones: For breaks or informal chats.
This approach gives employees more control over their environment without requiring physical separation.
2. Hot Desking & Flexible Seating
Rather than assigning desks, hot desking allows employees to choose where they sit each day. This supports hybrid work and ensures desks aren’t sitting unused when staff work remotely.
Ideal for dynamic teams or organisations with varying daily occupancy.
3. Collaborative Corners
Soft seating, writable walls, and casual breakout areas can make the space feel more approachable and conducive to idea-sharing. These don’t have to be large, just well-placed and inviting.
4. Quiet Pods or Booths
Privacy doesn’t have to be sacrificed in an open office. Acoustic phone booths, focus pods, and enclosed nooks provide retreat spaces for calls or focused tasks.
Planning an Open Office? Here’s What to Consider
Designing an open office layout might seem simple on the surface, but successful execution depends on proper planning.
Key considerations:
Space per person: Ensure you meet comfort and safety standards, typically 100–150 sq ft per employee.
Access to power and data: Plan desk positions around plug access and Wi-Fi coverage.
Ventilation and lighting: An open plan should maximise airflow and natural light without creating discomfort.
Storage: Include enough shared and personal storage to reduce desk clutter.
Acoustics: Use soft materials and spatial layout to reduce echo and noise disruption.
If you’re navigating these decisions, our Commercial Space Planning services can help optimise your layout to ensure it’s practical, compliant, and future-ready.
Design Tips to Improve an Open Office Layout
Aesthetics and functionality go hand-in-hand when it comes to open spaces. Even subtle design choices can dramatically enhance how the space feels and functions.
Try these strategies:
1. Biophilic design: Bring nature indoors with plants, wood textures, or daylight-enhancing layouts.
2. Use colour wisely: Blue tones can promote calm, while yellow may spark creativity in brainstorming zones.
3. Define boundaries visually: Use rugs, furniture groupings, or lighting changes to subtly separate zones.
4. Add flexible furniture: Items on castors or adjustable height desks allow rapid reconfiguration.
A floor plan visual or design mockup of a biophilic open office layout could enhance this section.
Final Thoughts
Open office layouts offer undeniable benefits – space efficiency, collaboration, and a modern feel. But to reap those benefits, businesses must plan thoughtfully and avoid a one-size-fits-all approach.
A well-executed open plan isn’t about cramming in more desks; it’s about supporting how your team works best. With clear zoning, smart furniture choices, and acoustic considerations, you can create a productive environment that suits your people and your goals.
And if you’re in the early stages of office planning, a professionally developed layout can help you make the most of every square foot now and in the future.
FAQs
How much space should each person have in an open office layout?
A good rule of thumb is 100–150 square feet per employee, depending on the nature of the work and the layout structure.
Can open office plans work for hybrid teams?
Yes, especially when combined with hot desking and modular workstations. This allows employees to rotate in and out seamlessly.
What are effective ways to reduce noise in an open office?
Incorporate acoustic wall panels, desk screens, ceiling baffles, and layout zoning to minimise sound transmission.
Is an open office suitable for all industries?
It’s best for collaborative environments like tech, media, and design. Roles requiring confidentiality may benefit from semi-open or private spaces.
How do you maintain employee privacy in an open layout?
Use privacy screens, bookable focus pods, staggered seating, and spatial zoning to give workers areas for confidential tasks.
What are the maintenance considerations for open office spaces?
Shared areas require consistent upkeep. It’s helpful to implement cleaning schedules, desk booking systems, and clutter-reducing storage options.
Are open office layouts cheaper to build?
They often are due to fewer walls and less complex fit-outs. However, investing in quality furniture and acoustic solutions is still essential.
How do you plan for future growth in an open office?
Use scalable furniture systems and leave flexible zones that can accommodate additional desks or functions over time.