we will soon move into a new office in israel. there is a philosophical question regarding the layout of the office. whether it is going to be an open-space or are we going to have separate rooms for people.

it is probably a theoretical debate since the budget we are allocating for the rent will probably just get us one small room… still as we are building our corporate boxee culture we get do discuss these issues, and people have firm opinions.

i found this short summary of benefits of open-space vs. offices:

Summary of Benefits of Open Space

• Most appreciate the sense of community an open spaced work environment instills in them
• Space allows for better communication and exchange of information among co-workers. It is easier to ask each other questions in an open environment
• Some preferred being among other people, not wanting to feel “closed in” or “all alone”
• The open work environment also allows some to know what’s “going on” in the office – being “in the know”

Summary of Benefits of Closed Space

• 9 in 10 state that privacy is the number one benefit of a closed space/work environment
• The idea of having walls around you, keeping roving eyes from drifting over to your work and “your space” makes some feel more secure
• Another key benefit of working in a closed space is the reduction in noise
• A closed space can also translate, for some, into more room/space. It usually connotes an office or larger work/office space

i personally think that in an early stages of a company there is no question that an open-space is better. everybody should be working together, all the time. i believe that open-space encourages creativity and collaboration and keeps everyone on the same page (i also find the egalitarian aspect of it to be appealing).

i am not sure when comes the time that having private rooms starts to make sense. maybe never.