Space10 cofounder Simon Caspersen is changing the coworking model by calling for the end of open office plans.
Caspersen believes that, while this office layout has dominated many coworking designs, it was not working for Space10 which led the company to redesign its Copenhagen office to include more privacy.
“It was stressful, you were interrupted a lot, and you didn’t feel like you had delivered the best quality of work,” said Caspersen. “It meant that people would either work from home a lot of the time, or would stay in after-hours because that was when they could actually concentrate on their tasks.”
A Harvard University study found that those who work in open-office plans actually spend 70% less time having face-to-face interactions, completely defeating the purpose of the layout.
Now, panels can be adjusted to change the office interior from a collaborative space to private cubicles. Caspersen said this flexibility in design gives workers a sense of ownership over their environment.
Providing workers with a less chaotic workspace can promote productivity and well-being that allows members to have a healthy sense of community.
“The physical workspace fosters personal relationships, cross-pollination and a sense of community – all of which are crucial for boosting happiness, creativity and wellbeing,” said Kevin Curran, the leader of Space10’s redesign.
