If you Google “open office trend,” the first results are about how the fad is falling out of fashion.
But it’s one that some Chattanooga businesses have adopted, so we wondered how it’s working out for people, and, according to locals, the answer is — it depends.
We asked on social, and according to reader comments, there are basically three schools of thought on the topic as illustrated by these comments. ⬇️
Take No. 1: 👍
“You can feel the buzzing energy in our open office style. There’s so much collaboration, friendly competition, and our team feeds off of each other with the energy they exude. The open office style helps keep us energized and motivated! 👊🏻💥” @trident_trans
Take No. 2 👎
“It is so distracting to me...so difficult to concentrate at all.” @vballard
Take No. 3 🤷
“It really depends on your style of work. Workers with long complex tasks suffer from the punitive effects of constant context switching ... while creative collab types of work are certainly helped. Additionally personalities need to matched - sometimes the nature of the work performs some natural selection here, but not always.” @ptrachian
To read more about the trend — including more reader insight + business leader feedback — click the button below.
Reader insight
In our Instagram story poll, 51 percent of people gave working in open office space a thumbs up, and 49 percent gave it a thumbs down.
Here’s what readers had to say on the matter. ⬇️
“Having worked in both work environments, I believe that an open office setting invites spontaneous collaboration and in-the-moment creativity that is hard to get with closed-off cubicles. This might be a personal preference...but bright and cheery sunlit ☀️ offices = happier 😊 employees!” — @monadjemi
“I may be old, but I am distracted by the concept of an open office. Shared space makes me less productive. But, like I said, I’m old.” — @bofunky3000
“My husband works in an office that just converted to an open plan and and they all hate it. In some departments it might be beneficial, but he works in internal budgeting and accounting — private stuff. It’s far more distraction than benefit.” — @lilyandivysmom
“@frostcpas just moved into a brand new open office space! This was our first week there. It’s a brand new building, The Troy on Chestnut. It’s amazing! You can feel the energy as soon as you walk in the door! We have CPA’s working right beside our marketing team. I think it will build a stronger team! Come visit us!” — @bethwright06
“I think it depends on the role of the people and how it’s done. If you have an open environment for engineering or architecture then it’s great for collaboration. The flip side is, of you have people that have to be on the phone all day, it gets very loud and disruptive.” — @nooga_mel
“@nooga_mel 100% agree - some people have “numbers” jobs or need to hold private conversations or to think at high levels without distraction. Open spaces for creativity and collaboration are great but to force it for every situation and job seems trendy and counterproductive.” — @chattbrown
“I love the idea in theory. But it’s very distracting in practice. Also, I’d think it would depend on the business. If you need that creative flow of conversation and collaboration regularly, then it would be wonderful. But in my accounts payable position, it would be incredibly disruptive. I generally have headphones in and ignore everyone until break either way.” — @thewhippytailworkshop
Unum, Skuid leaders weigh in
We invited Sarah Henson, head of Unum’s Early Career Talent Programs, and Skuid Office Manager Hope Woodruff to shed light on their work environments.
Unum is undergoing a multi-million-dollar makeover, in part, to create a more open + collaborative workspace.
Skuid has two floors of open workspace, but for privacy, they also have conference rooms, phone booths for meetings + video conferences or phone calls.
Both Henson and Woodruff said the pros outweigh the cons for their businesses.
Quoteworthy ⬇️
“Employees were initially concerned about noise and lack of privacy, but as they have transitioned into the new space, they realize there are options for everyone. From sit/stand desks, to huddle rooms, to added meeting space – we’ve increased the flexibility in how employees can choose to work and collaborate.” — Henson
Woodruff’s list ⬇️
Pros = Increased energy; the ability to host big groups of people; the open office plan allows employees to feel comfortable moving around
Cons = Noise; lack of privacy; if one person is messy, others might feel it
