The Privacy Solution: Combating Distractions in the Modern Office
In today’s fast-paced work environment, privacy has emerged as a crucial need for employees. According to Steelcase’s research, privacy is the top concern among employees, closely followed by the need for spaces that support wellbeing. In addition, there is a significant connection between privacy and wellbeing, as the lack of privacy can lead to increased stress, difficulty in focusing, and challenges in effective collaboration. For example, 50% of employees remain at their desks for video calls due to the lack of nearby private spaces, which can result in distractions for their co-workers. However, there are ways to fix this by designing the right workplace.
Designing for Privacy
As workplaces evolve, the need for privacy has become more significant. Steelcase’s research suggests that simply reverting to pre-pandemic office plan norms won’t meet today’s needs. Instead, a balanced approach is required. Design elements such as screens, pods, and strategically oriented workstations can shield employees from distractions without isolating them. Additionally, incorporating a variety of spaces can help meet diverse privacy needs, from focused individual work to collaborative teamwork.
Plan idea featuring individual workstations.
Plan idea featuring a focus space and a small meeting room.
Plan idea featuring a focus nook, a respite space, and a small meeting room.
Plan idea featuring layers of privacy space.
Plan idea featuring a focus nook and a small meeting room.
5 Innovative Approaches to Privacy:
Below are some workplace privacy ideas for creating diverse spaces that are close to each other yet still allow individuals to manage their privacy and comfort.
2. Individual Workstations:
Individual workstations provide dedicated spaces, and with the addition of flexible screens and boundary elements, they create visual and territorial privacy, enabling focused work.
A locker solution that is designed for the hybrid workplace is the Steelcase WorkValet. It adds extra storage space while creating a physical barrier that enhances privacy and keeps personal items secure and out of sight.
4. Small Meeting Rooms:
Meeting pods in open-plan areas help provide spaces for private meetings and allow people to step away for discussions.
The Orangebox Air3 Pod is designed for privacy in open-plan offices. It offers advanced acoustic and ventilation features, ensuring a comfortable and private space for meetings.
5. Layers of Privacy:
Architectural systems with multiple layers of privacy help create a seamless transition between individual and group work. Layers of privacy allow for territorial and visual privacy for one-on-one conversations, informal meetings, focus groups, and social interactions.
The Orangebox Campers & Dens is a demountable pod system that offers layers of privacy through pods, cabins, and awnings. Campers & Dens are designed for flexibility and reusability, making it suitable for various privacy needs in dynamic workspaces
Creating privacy in the workplace is essential for enhancing productivity and comfort. By implementing a variety of solutions such as focus rooms, individual workstations, focus nooks, small meeting rooms, and layered privacy spaces, organizations can cater to different privacy needs while fostering collaboration and connectivity. These innovative approaches not only help manage distractions but also support a healthier and more efficient work environment.
As the demand for privacy continues to grow, embracing these strategies will be key to creating a balanced and effective workspace. Reach out to us for tips on implementing these privacy solutions!
References: https://www.steelcase.com/research/articles/topics/privacy/the-possibilities-of-privacy/
