Which Is Better For You - Open Or Private Office Space?

As the new year approaches, are you struggling to find the best workspace solution for your business? Whether you have a one-man operation or are looking to facilitate hundreds of employees, there is an optimum solution for your team, and we want to help you find it! Currently, you, and possibly your team, may be working from home. While that is an excellent temporary solution, at some point a decision about what is next in terms of office space will have to be made. Will your business benefit from the private office desk, or is open office space going to be a more productive environment? Depending on the industry you are in or size of your team, it can be difficult to determine what the best coworking space for your business is. Luckily, we’ve put together a list of pros and cons of cubicles vs open office space to help you see which option will make your business thrive! 

Open Office Space: Pros and Cons

Pros

• Cost-Effective: One of the top reasons for choosing an open office setup is the lower price point. This is particularly beneficial for start-ups or businesses that are actively reducing costs by implementing a dispersed work strategy.  
• Communication and Collaboration: By having an open office space, communication and collaboration have room to take place organically because team members can interact throughout the day. The same benefits apply if you are an individual working in an open office space; you will have the opportunity to make connections and grow your network just by being in proximity to other creators.
• Flexible: Open office spaces are one of the most flexible options for teams because they are so customizable. Being able to tailor a space specifically to your business needs is a huge benefit. Especially, during a time when safety is a concern because you can implement safe distancing practices while maintaining a collaborative environment.

Cons

• Distractions: It’s true, distractions can occur more frequently in an open office space. However, those distractions or interruptions could be sparks of creativity inspired by the collaborative environment. That is why it is important to carefully consider the culture and purpose of your business. If part of your business is dealing with confidential information or high precision projects, then an open space may offer too many distractions, and a private room will be the more optimal option. 
• Less Privacy: As we mentioned above, an open space does not allow for as much privacy. Therefore, it will likely not be the best solution for companies handling sensitive or confidential information. 
• Distancing Restrictions: During these times, a top priority for business owners is to maintain a safe work environment. One of the cons of an open office space is that it requires more discipline to maintain safe practices. Additionally, applying the appropriate distancing guidelines also limits the number of people in one space. 

Private Office Space: Pros and Cons

Pros

• Increased Privacy & Security: As we discussed above, certain industries are better suited to private rooms or offices. Individuals that are required to operate at a high level of discretion will hugely benefit from having a private office desk. 
• Increased Productivity: For individuals or teams that focus on highly detailed or labor-intensive tasks, a private room could promote productivity. Additionally, those who simply prefer a quiet space or are easily distracted will benefit more from a private office desk than an open office concept.
• Fewer Distractions: While some people thrive in shared space, for others it can be overwhelming for their senses. As mentioned above, for those who may be easily distracted, a private desk would be the optimal option, because there is a designated place to work without interruptions. 
• Intentional Collaboration: When you need to create solutions to complex problems, reimagine your new marketing strategy, or plan the next steps for your business, private rooms and offices are perfect for group collaboration. Having a designated space for these discussions can help maintain the momentum for reaching goals or finishing projects because the purpose of the room is to foster creating solutions. 

Cons

• Less Spontaneous Collaboration: One of the downsides of private offices is the missed opportunities for spontaneous collaboration. However, if you regularly prioritize times for collaboration, this will likely not become an issue. It all depends on the culture and needs of your business.
• Higher Cost: One of the less attractive qualities of private office space is the higher price point in comparison to open space. However, if having private offices increases productivity and revenue for a business, then it would certainly be the optimal choice.
• Decreased Moral: Working solitarily in a private office has the potential to decrease morale, especially for team-oriented people or high-level extroverts. Again, it is important to assess what the needs of your business and/or team are to determine the best workspace setup.

Final Thoughts On The Cubicles Vs Private Offices Debate

When deciding between open office space and private offices it is not a matter of which option is superior, because both options come with pros and cons. The important question to ask yourself is, “Which option will make my business thrive?”. Every business is unique and has different requirements to fulfill. Some businesses may even have the most benefit from combining a mixture of open and private office space! Remember, the great thing about flexible office space is that your work area can be personalized to your business needs!