Open Office Space - How's that working for you?

Mary Panza - host

Summary: Open office space is still the preferred configuration for Agile/collaborative teams. However, this was clarified as an open space for teams, not necessarily the entire company/floor/department in one giant open area.

Considerations, Compromises and Recommendations


- Create an open space for each team, but not EVERYBODY in one giant space.



- The team needs to agree to work together in this configuration; make open space part of their working agreement. They need to decide how/when to interact and how/when to have focus time.

- Set boundaries, both physical and otherwise, for sharing information pertinent to team work. Provide separations so the team is not disturbed by surrounding teams, and so they do not disturb the surrounding teams. Some attendees reported changing their work habits out of concern for impacting nearby coworkers who don't work collaboratively. Does this inhibit the natural conversation and flow of the team?

- Ability to reconfigure the space without major effort or expense really helps! Let the team design and decorate their own space to get a sense of ownership.

- Provide a quiet focus space for teams and individuals to use when needed. This included opportunities to work uninterrupted or to have private conversations.

- Provide cross-team socialization opportunities to encourage communication and connection with other coworkers. Suggestions included a social gathering space and cross-team lunches.

- Open space doesn't work well for everyone. Disposition comes into play. Some people can adapt to filtering out the noise; others can't.

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