Open Plan Office Design Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Your office should be more than just a place to work. It should be an enabler to help you shape workplace culture, inspire innovation, and drive success. Yet, overlooking the untapped potential of your workspace, especially when implementing an open office layout, can be common. 

Poor design choices in an open plan office layout can affect productivity and lower employee morale. Moreover, it can even tarnish the perception of your brand. So, where does your workplace stand in the middle of this chaos?

In this article, we’ll uncover common design mistakes in open office layouts and share actionable insights to help you create a thriving environment. Whether aiming for functionality, collaboration, or modern biophilic office design, these tips will guide you toward making your workspace a strategic asset.

Rigid layouts and generic designs that don’t meet diverse employee needs

Rigid layouts and generic designs in open plan workspaces fail to address the diverse needs of employees. There could be little room for individuality, collaboration, and focus. These one-size-fits-all approaches also alienate hybrid workforces and affect the potential for innovation. To avoid this mistake, look for flexibility and reconfigurability.

Consider the transformation of HFW Law Firm, where flexibility took center stage in their open plan office layout. The design included diverse spaces to suit conversational and professional needs, such as bar counters for impromptu chats, lounges for informal discussions, private booths for focused one-on-one meetings, and expandable formal meeting rooms. Integrating elements of biophilic office designs can further enhance adaptability. It can also lead to a workspace that evolves alongside business demands and employee expectations.

Stunning spaces with poor ergonomics or impractical layouts

An open plan workspace that looks stunning but lacks ergonomic functionality or practical layouts can quickly become a liability. Such spaces, though visually impressive, fail to support employee well-being and lead to discomfort. To avoid this, prioritise ergonomic essentials while balancing beauty with usability. Purpose-driven aesthetics with minimal clutter can create a harmonious workspace.

For example, Space Matrix’s collaboration with Gartner showcases how workplace technology and thoughtful design can merge to enhance employee wellness. Their R&D Hub incorporates active workstations with adjustable desks, ergonomic chairs, monitor arms, treadmill desks, and balance boards. These elements allow employees to personalise their workspaces based on ergonomic and fitness needs. It also reflects the organisation's commitment to health and functionality in a biophilic office space.

Noise distractions in offices that reduce focus and productivity

Distractions from noise lead to reduced focus and lower productivity. Employees may struggle to concentrate without proper acoustic solutions, which can impact morale and output. To counter this, design a balanced acoustic environment that includes quiet pods, semi-social collaboration zones, and vibrant yet harmonious hubs. A standout example is the use of cocoons, which are ergonomic seating pods that provide privacy and tranquillity.

These cocoons are cushioned for comfort, padded with noise-dampening felt, and equipped with essentials like charging points, USB ports, and adjustable LED lighting. Some even feature Bluetooth speakers for added convenience. Mobility and adaptability make them ideal for dynamic workspaces, shared offices, and coworking setups.

Underutilised spaces like massive gyms or expansive lounges with little employee engagement

Massive gyms or expansive lounges may seem appealing in theory. However, they end up underutilised when they fail to align with employee interests and engagement. In open office layouts, these spaces can quickly become wasted investments. To avoid this, focus on mindful amenity selection by incorporating cosy gaming corners, agile breakout areas, and recharge zones tailored to employee needs and preferences.

Taikoo Li Qiantan exemplifies this approach with its transformative open plan office layout. The space prioritises wellness and sustainability while offering employees a dynamic mix of environments for task-oriented work and collaboration. Infusing such purpose-driven amenities with elements of biophilic office design can breathe new life into neglected areas.

Ignoring the diverse needs of employees

Failing to address the diverse needs of employees in an open office layout can result in disengagement and a lack of inclusivity. A one-size-fits-all approach alienates those who require tailored environments to thrive. Consider prioritising inclusive spaces that cater to a variety of work styles, including neurodiverse privacy zones and multi-sensory spaces.

Northern Trust's office in Pune is a benchmark in inclusive design. The open plan office layout integrates features like stepped seating and community clusters that allow wheelchair users to participate seamlessly in discussions. Automated push-and-go doors and vertical platform lifts replace ramps that ensure unrestricted accessibility. Combining these thoughtful features with modern biophilic office design elements creates a workspace that celebrates diversity and empowers employees to perform at their best.

Overcomplicated or outdated tech that disrupts workflows

Outdated or overly complex technology can create significant barriers to productivity. Ultimately, it can lead to frustration and inefficiency. When tech fails to align with employee needs, it disrupts workflows and undermines the office's functionality. One way to overcome this is through incorporating plug-and-play solutions that empower employees with seamless functionality and adaptability.

Guardian Life serves as an excellent example of integrating technology and design to create a cohesive workspace. Their office layout aligns with the brand’s values and enhances employee well-being. Incorporating natural light, ergonomic furniture, and people-first settings has helped Guardian Life create a biophilic office design that promotes wellness while ensuring that technology supports, rather than hinders, productivity.

Using synthetic materials or dull colour schemes that fail to inspire

Incorporating synthetic materials and uninspired colour schemes can result in a sterile, uninspiring environment that affects creativity and engagement. Opt for authentic materials like wood, stone, and metal to create a workspace that energises employees. These can help you emphasise sustainability and craftsmanship. Purposeful use of colour can further enhance mood, productivity, and functionality.

Nutanix’s sustainability-focused office in Singapore is a prime example of this thoughtful approach. Its open plan office layout maximises natural light, with peripheral workspaces designed to offer bright, sunlit areas. Smart sensors adjust lighting levels based on external brightness, while LED fixtures with occupancy sensors illuminate inner rooms without waste. High-recycled-content materials and biophilic elements create an inspiring and eco-friendly modern biophilic office design.

Static designs that quickly become obsolete

Static office designs fail to keep pace with evolving business needs and employee expectations. They quickly become outdated and inefficient. In an open office layout, embracing adaptability is crucial to staying relevant. To avoid obsolescence, adopt a future-proof mindset by creating fluid spaces that cater to growth and long-term utility.

Beta Lab highlights this approach, showcasing a modern biophilic office design prioritising adaptability. Its open plan office space includes a versatile step-seating area that transitions seamlessly between functions. It serves as a casual meeting space, a social hub for Friday gatherings, or an all-hands venue. Such flexibility enhances usability and promotes collaboration and well-being. It ensures the workspace remains a valuable asset for years to come.

Bottom line: Design your Workspace with Specific Intention and Purpose

Avoiding common design mistakes and embracing strategic, thoughtful planning can transform an open layout office into a dynamic, high-performing environment. More than just being functional, a well-designed workspace reflects your business's vision and commitment to employee well-being.

Thinking of integrating a flexible open plan office layout? Or adopting a modern biophilic office design? Or even prioritising adaptive spaces? Remember, your design choices should align with your goals and promote a thriving workplace culture. Designing with intention will help you create spaces that inspire innovation and represent your organisation's future-focused ethos.

Excited to know more about functional and intentional workplace designs? Contact our workplace design experts now!