"Open-plan offices can be viewed as more efficient in terms of cost and space, making them a more desirable option from an organisational perspective," Lee says. "But they're not for everyone."
Open-plan designs are commonly touted as a means of promoting creativity within teams, providing opportunities for spontaneous interaction and exchanges that can assist problem-solving. They can build a sense of community and facilitate social support, and new colleagues can be integrated more seamlessly, too, enjoying the chance to learn the company's processes and functions more naturally.
"Open-plan architecture can give new staff better opportunities to network and share their perspective, and it's also a great way to discover the cultural norms of an organisation, which you are not going to find out during an induction," Lee says.
"For all staff, open-plan offices can be critical to an understanding of the business that they're in."
Design considerations can also enhance staff morale and retention.
"A lot of research shows that open-plan designs allow more natural light into a workspace, and this helps to improve staff well-being and self-esteem," Lee says.
"Individuals within the tribe or team can also personalise their space, creating a sense of belonging that aids staff retention."
However, a Harvard study last year found that open-plan workers spent 73% less time interacting face-to-face with colleagues and their use of email and messaging rose by over 67%.
Open-plan designs are undoubtedly more noisy and may not suit every job and individual.
Designated private spaces for confidential conversations and meetings are generally needed, and some organisations have moved to create break-out social spaces to avoid jolly distractions.
Headphones, even flags and lights on computers are commonly used to signal 'Do Not Disturb'.
"It's important for teams to negotiate some rules of engagement or etiquette that work for them," Lee says.
"I am a naturally loud person, so I'm always trying to be conscious of my noise levels.
"Open-plan will not fit every industry and workplace; it depends on the nature of the work being carried out and the way staff like to work."
In the next instalment we'll hear arguments for and against open-plan offices from those who work in them.
