Common Problems with
Open-plan Offices That don't exist when working from Home

These are the Biggest Problems that can’t be avoided in an Open-plan Office

1. Constant Noise, Distractions, and Sensory Overload

There’s always a lot going on in an open-plan office - which usually leads automatically to a high level of background noise. Even if you get used to the constant background noise over time, phone calls, the clatter of keyboards, or the running coffee machine can really get on your nerves and negatively affect your concentration. This is because the brain constantly reacts to new stimuli, even when you try to ignore them as best you can.

In an open-plan office, many sensory impressions also come at you all at once: sounds, movements, conversations, visual distractions… Processing all these impressions means that employees there tire more quickly and sometimes even feel stressed or overwhelmed.

When employees work remotely, however, these distractions disappear. This allows for much better focus with optimal periods of concentration - and that benefits not only well-being but also efficiency.

2. Frequent Interruptions

In an open-plan office, there’s less hesitation about popping over to talk to someone, for example, when there’s something to clarify regarding a current client project. “Do you have a minute?” - and just like that, your focus is gone. Of course, it’s important and part of the job to coordinate with colleagues or just chat from time to time. But sometimes the small interruptions in an open-plan office add up and disrupt the workflow. It often takes a few minutes each time to regain concentration.

In a home office, interruptions are generally much less frequent. Most employees only initiate a Teams call when a question cannot be resolved any other way. Short questions can usually be clarified via a chat message. And the other person can then answer them at their leisure, whenever it suits them, without being torn away from their concentration.

3. Limited Privacy

Privacy is significantly limited in an open-plan office compared to working from home. This is partly because screens can be seen when other employees walk by. This not only makes employees feel like they’re being watched at work, but it can also make it difficult to work on documents that are subject to confidentiality. It’s also harder to have confidential conversations, such as salary negotiations, in an open-plan office, since there’s often little to no privacy.

When employees work from home, no one can look over their shoulders or eavesdrop on their conversations. For example, it’s much more comfortable to have conversations with HR from the comfort of your own home via Microsoft Teams.

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4. Unnecessary Commuting Stress

Depending on the distance, commuting to the office every day can be a huge waste of time compared to remote work. Traffic jams on streets and highways, along with crowded buses and trains, also contribute to high stress levels among employees every day.

On the other hand, it’s much more relaxing to skip the commute and start the day at home without stress. And the free time you gain can be spent on things like extended lunch breaks, hobbies, or time with family.

5. Exhausting Arguments Over Air Conditioning and Windows

When it comes to working conditions, it’s often difficult to find a compromise in an open-plan office that satisfies everyone present. Too cold, too warm, too bright, too dark - someone is always unhappy. While some employees would prefer to work with the window open all day, others are constantly cold and would like to turn on the heat even in May. Such conflicts can regularly spark discussions and sometimes even dampen the mood in the office.

In contrast, working conditions in a home office can be arranged entirely as you wish. Here, individual employees decide when and for how long to ventilate the space, what the room temperature should be, and how the lighting should be set up. When it comes to decorating the workspace, there are no limits to your imagination.

6. Risk of Illness and “Presenteeism”

In open-plan offices, many people work in close quarters. When employees come to the office despite mild symptoms (“I just have a slight cold”), viruses spread particularly quickly. This often happens to demonstrate high commitment or to avoid missing out on anything. However, sick employees are not truly productive and delay their recovery. In the long run, this harms both the individual and the team.

When working from home, there is no risk of catching something from other employees. There, employees with mild symptoms can make more flexible decisions about whether they are fit to work or should rest instead. This often leads to a healthier approach to one’s own work capacity. Those who are truly sick are more likely to recover, and those who are only slightly under the weather can work in a quiet environment without putting their colleagues at risk.

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Efficient, Undisturbed, and Self-Directed Work from Home

The open-plan office presents many challenges that directly impact employees’ concentration, well-being, and ultimately their productivity. Constant noise, frequent interruptions, and a lack of privacy can sometimes make it difficult to focus on work. Added to this are external factors such as the stress of commuting or recurring discussions about working conditions, which can be quite exhausting.

Working from home eliminates many of these stresses. There are fewer distractions, and employees also have the opportunity to customize their own work environment. This provides employees with significantly better conditions for focused and efficient work. At the same time, they gain valuable time and are often less stressed in their daily lives.

Of course, working in the office has its advantages too - especially when it comes to personal interaction and team spirit. But a direct comparison makes it clear that many of the typical problems of the open-plan office are not an issue when working from home. Those who want to work productively while staying relaxed will usually find the ideal conditions in a home office.