3 Steps to Create a Focused Workspace in an Open Office

Most offices and coworking spaces today are built with an open floorplan. While it’s great for saving companies money by pushing lots of people together in a small space; and while it is better for accidental coworker run-ins to exchange ideas, it is absolutely terrible for focus.

We have 3 steps to help create a more focused workspace (that don’t involve finding a new office).

1. Take individual ownership of the problem. If you have focused, deep work to do, then find ways to remove yourself. Noise-canceling headphones are a start. Cubicle dividers can help as well. If you can work in a conference room, private space, or show up early, do it. If you can escape to a quiet cafe or otherwise remotely for even an hour, get there.

2. It’s up to the team to set some group agreements about the rules. Schedule a meeting for your team (or the whole office if it’s possible) with the intention of creating a more focused environment. Some suggestions we’ve seen with our clients in the past include designating some mornings as "library rules" and no meetings on Tuesdays. We’d also suggest that desk space is quiet space and congregating should happen in conference rooms and kitchens.

3. Company and coworking management should take some responsibility and provide opportunities for people to do their best work. Either by allowing remote work, even in short sessions, or by setting aside places for deep work. Maybe booking a conference room every morning as a designated "Cave." Deep work is more effective together, but everyone must agree to the rules. Management can and should be the one to lead by example and enforce a focused work environment, telling people to take their conversations to a kitchen or inviting people to a Cave.

The University of California, SF, did a study across multiple hospitals and found an 88% drop in the number of errors nurses made when they wore bright orange vests that told colleagues to not interrupt them. Open floorpans are less than ideal places to focus, especially if the work is vitally important. But it’s a reality most of us face daily. We believe these tips are a great start, but what other ideas have you tried or seen to overcome the distractions in your workplace?

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Caveday is a company aimed at improving your relationship to work. We write regular posts on Medium and send out monthly newsletters with productivity tips, life hacks, and recommendations. Sign up for the mailing list here.

Jake Kahana is a cofounder of Caveday. Sign up for his personal emails, called “The Email Refrigerator” here.