Introduction
Over the years, the open workspace has become a benchmark in the professional world. Although controversial for some, it continues to be adopted in many companies, both large and small. Why is this? Because it offers real advantages in terms of communication, collaboration and flexible layout. Working in an open space doesn't just mean sharing an office with colleagues, it means adopting a new way of working that's more fluid, more dynamic and often more productive.
In this article, we take a look at the 5 good reasons to choose open space, highlighting its tangible benefits for productivity, team cohesion and workplace ergonomics. If you're still wondering whether this model is right for you or your company, you've come to the right place.
Understand what open space is
Open space, or open office, refers to a workspace where employees share a large room without traditional partitions. Shared workstations are arranged in a collaborative environment, often with low partitions, breakout areas, glass-enclosed meeting rooms or flexible spaces. This type of office architecture aims to encourage interaction while optimising the available surface area.
The principle is simple : fewer walls = more collaboration. By doing away with closed offices, we encourage direct communication, visibility and greater fluidity in teamwork.
History and evolution of office architecture
The concept of the open-plan office dates back to the 1950s in Germany with the "Bürolandschaft" approach. Since then, the open-plan office has been adopted and reinterpreted throughout the world, particularly by Californian start-ups and major technology companies. This model has gradually replaced partitioned offices in many sectors, particularly where innovation, responsiveness and team synergy are priorities.
Today, we talk about intelligent open spaces, with zones of silence, well-defined common areas, and particular attention paid to acoustics, natural light and adaptable furniture.
Advantage 1: Smoother communication
Elimination of physical barriers
In a partitioned office, you often have to send an e-mail or schedule a meeting to ask a simple question. In an open space, you just turn to your colleague and that's it! This fluidity of communication saves precious time on a daily basis. The removal of walls encourages spontaneous exchanges, immediate feedback and faster decision-making.
Open space also means greater transparency: you can see what others are doing, you have a better understanding of each other's challenges, and it makes coordination easier. This visibility makes teams more aligned, more responsive, and avoids information silos.
Fostering team spirit through social interaction
It's often forgotten, but social interaction plays an enormous role in team cohesion. By sharing the same space, employees feel closer and more united. Open spaces encourage informal links, coffee breaks that lead to joint projects, jokes that lighten the mood. This type of layout fosters a sense of belonging, which is essential for motivating and retaining talent.
Advantage 2 : A stimulating group dynamic
A sense of belonging and shared creativity
Working in an open space means being part of a visible, living whole. You can see projects evolve, colleagues succeed and teams move forward. It creates a sense of unity, of being in the same boat. This feeling of belonging makes you want to excel and inspires you. We pick up on an idea here, a piece of advice there, we bounce off a comment we hear in passing. This collective emulation, typical of open spaces, boosts creativity and innovation. When you're surrounded by committed people, you become committed yourself. Group energy is contagious - and in this context, that's a very good thing !
Encouraging collaboration and teamwork
In an open space, it's easy to launch a discussion, ask for advice or set up a mini project team at a moment's notice. Spontaneous collaboration comes naturally in this kind of environment. Hierarchical barriers become blurred, and everyone feels freer to contribute. Working in pairs also becomes more fluid: there's no need to fix a room or wait for a time slot, you just meet up, exchange ideas and make progress. This is one of the great advantages of an open workspace.
Advantage 3 : Flexibility of layout
Modular offices to suit projects
One of the great advantages of open space is its modularity. Unlike closed offices, which are rigid and costly to refit, an open space can be quickly reorganised to suit the needs of the team. Workstations can be added, low partitions moved, or a new collaborative island created without major work. This flexibility of layout is ideal for agile, growing businesses, or those that regularly host temporary teams. It's a real plus for responsiveness and change management.
Shared workstations also enable better management of resources: the same office can be used by several employees depending on their working hours, as part of a flex office approach. The result? Less wasted space, greater agility and a livelier working environment.
Low partitions and relaxation zones
Even in open-plan offices, it is possible to create differentiated zones using low partitions, clever storage or modular furniture. In this way, a degree of visual privacy can be preserved, while maintaining the fluidity of exchanges. It's a good compromise between openness and concentration. Relaxation areas are also essential: they allow you to take a breather, recharge your batteries, or chat informally with colleagues. Sofas, a coffee corner or even an area for napping... All these things contribute to a balanced office life, which is essential in the long term.
Advantage 4 : Optimum use of space and light
Open spaces and free-flowing traffic
Open architecture means that every square metre can be used intelligently. No empty corridors, unused rooms or poorly lit corners. Everything is designed to make the space useful and alive. Circulation is fluid, movement is more natural, and this also improves safety (fewer blind spots, better visibility). You feel free to move around, to change workstations, to meet with others without having to book a room every time.
Better management of natural light
In a well-designed open space, natural light can diffuse more easily than in partitioned offices. This has a direct effect on well-being and productivity. Working in a bright space reduces eyestrain, improves mood and increases concentration. Office architects know: a well-lit office means a more efficient and satisfied workforce. Open-plan offices, with their large windows and open spaces, are the perfect answer to this requirement.
A bright, well-appointed space, with soft colours, ergonomic furniture and green plants... Now that's an environment where you want to spend your day! The open space creates a pleasant, stimulating, almost inspiring working environment. Employees feel better, more energetic and more creative. The environment plays a huge role in daily motivation, and a well-designed open space makes the most of it.
Benefit 5 : Reduced costs
Rationalisation of square metres
One of the main arguments in favour of open space is the reduction in property costs. By doing away with individual offices, you can accommodate more people in the same space, without sacrificing comfort. This rationalisation of square metres means significant savings, especially in urban areas where rents are high. And for small businesses or start-ups, it's a major boost to profitability.
Lower installation costs
Fewer partitions, less special furniture, less wiring: open space costs less to install and maintain. It's also easier to adapt in the event of growth or team changes. So it's a win-win situation: lower fixed costs, greater flexibility and faster installation.
Conclusion
Working in an open-plan office is much more than just a trend in office design. It's a real working philosophy, based on collaboration, fluid exchanges and flexible spaces. In a constantly changing professional world, where agility and responsiveness have become priorities, open space offers a dynamic, stimulating and often more cost-effective environment.
Of course, it's not without its faults: ambient noise, overcrowding, the need for quiet areas, etc. But if it's well designed, and above all well adapted to the real needs of teams, open space can become a real lever for productivity and well-being at work.
So whether you're a fast-growing start-up, an SME reinventing itself, or even a large company looking for something modern, open-plan offices are clearly worth considering. All you need to do is adapt it intelligently: acoustics, ergonomics, adaptable furniture, a relaxation area, and why not a bit of alternating teleworking to find the right balance.
Q&A
Are open spaces suitable for all occupations?
Not necessarily. Jobs requiring a high degree of concentration or confidentiality (legal, finance, writing, etc.) may require adjustments: quiet zones, isolated rooms, or hybrid spaces with partitions. On the other hand, for creative, tech or sales teams, it's often a highly stimulating environment.
How can you limit noise in open spaces ?
The key is good acoustics. This means using absorbent materials (carpets, acoustic panels), low partitions, noise-cancelling headphones, and creating quiet zones or telephone booths for calls. A user charter can also help to regulate noisy behaviour.
What are the alternatives to the traditional open space ?
Today there are hybrid models: open spaces with movable partitions, shared offices with concentration bubbles, or even flexible coworking offices. These alternatives make it possible to maintain a collective dynamic while meeting needs for privacy or calm.
Is teleworking compatible with working in an open space ?
Yes, in fact it's very complementary! Alternate teleworking allows employees to take time out for tasks requiring concentration, while meeting up with their colleagues for moments of collaboration in open space. It's often a good compromise.
How should an open space be laid out ?
A good open space should include : ergonomic workstations, fluid circulation, meeting spaces, relaxation areas, good lighting and careful acoustics. All in a clear, organised and pleasant environment.
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