open plan office

USAGE SUMMARY

"open plan office" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to an office environment where all of the desks and workspaces are visible to one another and arranged in one large room. For example, "I enjoy working in our open plan office because it is easier to collaborate with other team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Hewlett-Packard pioneered the "open plan" office in Silicon Valley.

The New York Times

This paper presents field measurements for a fully air conditioned open plan office using a photoelectric dimming system.

Energy Conversion and Management

The issue of confidentially in an open plan office can be particularly tricky.

The Guardian

The rise of the modern open plan office was meant to foster collaboration and team spirit.

The Guardian

I work in an open plan office and we survive on tea and laughter.

The Guardian

An example on how this can be done is applied to an open plan office space with two different furniture layouts.

Energy and Buildings

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

James Neely used to work in an open-plan office.

The Guardian

An Owner's Best Friend I work in an open-plan office.

The New York Times

Thus, this experimental investigation focuses on the performances of three different air distribution systems in an open-plan office space.

Building and Environment

The findings bear on the appropriateness of open-plan office designs and the possibilities for restoration available in office settings.

Journal of Environmental Psychology

As future works, the FAWCai of OPOD sub-features will be formulated as the open-plan office building assessment indexing.

Sustainable Cities and Society

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the benefits or drawbacks of an "open plan office", provide specific examples of how it impacts productivity, collaboration, or employee well-being. Quantifiable data strengthens your argument.

Common error

Don't assume all employees benefit from this layout. Acknowledge that some may find it distracting or prefer more privacy. Offer alternative workspaces or strategies to mitigate potential negative impacts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "open plan office" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in a sentence. It serves to identify a specific type of office space characterized by its open layout, as showcased in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "open plan office" refers to an office layout without full-height partitions, designed to encourage collaboration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely understood. While often promoted for its collaborative benefits, "open plan offices" also face criticism for noise and lack of privacy. As such, you should consider and offer strategies to mitigate potential negative impacts on employee productivity and well-being. Common alternatives to "open plan office" include "collaborative workspace", "shared office space", and "flexible workspace".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

open office layout

Focuses on the arrangement of the office space.

open concept office

Highlights the design aspect with an emphasis on being open and spacious.

collaborative workspace

Highlights the purpose of the open plan design, which is to foster collaboration.

shared office space

Emphasizes the shared nature of the office environment.

flexible workspace

Suggests adaptability and multiple uses within the open area.

unpartitioned office

Draws attention to the lack of physical barriers.

communal office area

Emphasizes the shared and social aspect of the space.

undivided office space

Highlights the lack of divisions in the office area.

bullpen office

An older, sometimes negative, term for a large, open office.

activity-based working environment

Focuses on the work style enabled by the space, where employees can choose settings according to the task.

FAQs

How does an "open plan office" affect employee productivity?

An "open plan office" can increase collaboration but may also decrease individual focus due to noise and distractions. Studies show mixed results, so consider the specific needs of your team.

What are the benefits of working in an "open plan office"?

Benefits of an "open plan office" often include increased communication, easier collaboration, and more efficient use of space. However, these benefits depend on effective management and design.

What are the disadvantages of an "open plan office"?

Disadvantages of an "open plan office" can include increased noise levels, reduced privacy, and potential for distraction, which may negatively impact focus and productivity for some employees.

What is a good alternative to an "open plan office"?

Alternatives to an "open plan office" include a hybrid model with a mix of open areas and private offices, or activity-based working where employees can choose from various workspaces. You could also consider a "flexible workspace".