Wide, open interior spaces are appealing on so many levels — functionality, style, a place for collaboration. Natural light, high ceilings, concrete flooring, exposed ducts and many windows are the epitome of modern work and play. It’s all very cool — until somebody starts talking.
For all its virtues, experts say the open space design trend is wreaking havoc on hearing, physical health, stress levels and productivity. At many offices, employees work elbow to elbow as personal workspaces shrink, along with the size of computers. According to workdesign.com, multiple studies reveal that 70 percent of workers say the biggest impact on their productivity is the conversations of co-workers or other noise. And kids have it no better, often struggling to hear teachers in noisy gymnasiums or classrooms.