About 70 percent of U.S. offices feature an open layout, but that isn’t what workers say they prefer, according to a new survey from Commercial Cafe. Instead, workers say their most ideal working space is a private office. Nearly 43 percent of more than 2,000 respondents surveyed say they prefer a private space, while an open-plan office was only desired by about 10 percent of respondents. Only 5 percent said they desired cubicles.
While most workers may not have a private office, they still report being mostly satisfied with their work environment. Sixty-four percent of respondents said they definitely would not quit their job because of the current layout. Still, respondents said that more open and collaborative office spaces hinder their productivity, while a private office or home office is the least distracting. Sixty-four percent of respondents said the most disruptive factor hampering their productivity in the office is being interrupted by co-workers. Sixty percent also said noise was a disturbing factor. Other disruptors commonly noted were invasion of privacy, poor lighting, air quality, and outdated workstations.
Researchers also asked respondents about the personalities of their co-workers and which types of personalities are the most difficult to work with. The most annoying person at work is “The Office Bully,” according to the survey. Also, respondents said “The Loud Talker” is another personality trait they find most annoying at work.
Source: “Workspace Survey: Office Workers Pick Privacy as Most Craved Perk,” Commercial Cafe (March 7, 2018)
