The Globe and Mail

Open plan offices, where walls are either low or non-existent and no one has a door to close, were supposed to increase productivity and collaboration. But new research suggests they could be doing the exact opposite.

Australian research published in the Asia-Pacific Journal of Health Management concludes that “the switch to open-plan has led to lower productivity and higher worker stress.”

From a report by AAP, an Australian news service:

"The evidence we found was absolutely shocking,'' researcher Dr Vinesh Oommen from the Queensland University  of Technology's Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, said.

"In 90 per cent of the research, the outcome of working in an open-plan office was seen as negative, with open-plan offices causing high levels of stress, conflict, high blood pressure, and a high staff turnover.

"The high level of noise causes employees to lose concentration, leading to low productivity, there are privacy issues because everyone can see what you are doing on the computer or hear what you are saying on the phone, and there is a feeling of insecurity.''

Dr Oommen said there was also a higher chance of workplace conflict caused by "sitting so close to someone that each time their phone rings you can get irritated''.

Yes, that will be familiar to many of you. I've worked in both open and closed office spaces and have always had a preference for the latter. It's nice to be able to close your door and focus on the work at hand. A closed door also sends a signal to anyone walking by: “Look, I'm busy right now.” Leave it open and people are welcome to come in. It's a simple system, and it offers you a sense of control.

The argument in favour of open plan offices was summarized by one U.K. company that made the switch last year. It moved to an open plan to benefit from “improved staff communication, improved team working and greater flexibility. Removing physical barriers between employees also promotes a more open and transparent culture within the business.”

But the Australian researchers disagree:

Working in an open-plan office could contribute to higher blood pressure, Dr Oommen said, and an increased risk of illnesses as bugs such as the influenza virus were more swiftly passed around.

"Based on these findings, I think employers around the country need to rethink the open-plan environment in their offices,'' he said.

"The research found that the traditional design was better - small, private closed offices.

"The problem is that employers are always looking for ways to cut costs, and using open-plan designs can save 20 per cent on construction.''

If you currently find yourself in an open office space, productivity expert Neen James has some advice about how to have a more enjoyable experience. Here are a couple of her tips, which you can read here:

Have a clean Desk Policy
Get rid of all unnecessary paper, as it is a distraction. Clear desks are important for overall presentation and a clear desk policy will help you to be more organised and therefore productive. This is also good for company security to ensure you don't leave important documents on your desk.

Don't yell across the workstation
Walk over to someone's workstation or use your e-mail or phone. Other people don't need to hear your conversation.

Manage your phones. Try to answer your phone within 3 rings
The constant noise of desk phones and mobile phones can be distracting if someone is trying to complete a project. Be considerate. Turn down the volume of your desk phone. Select a mobile phone ring that won't annoy others around you. Answer your neighbour's phone if this is appropriate. If you will be away from your desk for a prolonged period of time, have your phone diverted.

Do not hold conversations outside others workstations
Be considerate. If you want to have a meeting, choose a space that won't impact on others.

Keep things off the floor surrounding your desk
Keep your paperwork and any other items within your desk area.

Store things under your desk
If you need more space use the area under your desk and not the walkways.

If you are listening to music keep it down or invest in a pair of headphones.
Headphones are a great way to show other people you are working on something and don't want to be disturbed.

And here's some more advice from Hewlett-Packard.