More firms opting for open plan offices

Office design news from Morgan Lovell

Published on 25-08-2011

An industry expert has highlighted a growing trend for firms to use space planning in their offices as a means of motivating workers.

Matt Oakley, chairman of the British Council for Offices' research committee, suggested that an increasing number of companies are choosing to opt for an open plan design when office fit out time comes around.

He said that the trend was among the most important shifts in the way companies use their office space.

Oakley suggested that the move towards an open plan office design is being made by many firms in a bid to stimulate teamwork and openness.

He also said that bringing in big screens and chill-out areas to offices was another move being employed by firms in a bid to boost productivity.

He said: "The concept of a break-out area 20 years ago was non-existent. We are seeing more delivery of technology in these formal and informal working areas."

Copyright Press Association 2011