Office layouts
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No one has mentioned bookcases, which don't fit well in an open plan. I know, books are passe these days, but I still keep a few for reference. So, at least some sort of cubicle wall is needed. Regarding being in the zone, I am able to ignore almost anything (just ask my wife) to concentrate on work. Noise doesn't bother me as long as it isn't intelligent noise (which means most people talking are no distraction). My kids need headphones, which seem to work. I am distracted though by anyone staring at me while I try to work. And last but not least, no one has mentioned passing gas, for which a private office is needed, preferably in a corner with a separate air flow system and a window.
Passing gas, B.O., perfume & cologne (some people seem to think those are substitutes for bathwater), garlic breath, anchovies, bells on feet (literally), slurping coffee, flip-flops (smack, smack, smack - from one end of the office and back again), popping chewing gum, headphones cranked up so much you don't need to be the one wearing them to hear the noise clearly, etc. are all reasons against open office plans. I've worked in large bullpens and don't miss them at all. Management really showed their stuff when they told us we could declare our cubicles non-smoking areas (yes - it's been awhile)! Blessed are those who are blissfully unaware of what goes on around them. Me - I've been damned!
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Anyone have any good ideas on compromises between private offices and open office layouts? Private offices are apparently too expensive, and open layouts suck. So I'm looking for some ideas in between that work, or ways to desuckify open office layouts. Note that there will be no agile, XP, pair programming, or any other hippie crap going on. Thanks
CPallini wrote:
You cannot argue with agile people so just take the extreme approach and shoot him. :Smile: