On finding balance between collaborative noise and speech privacy in open offices

A growing number of businesses are moving towards open-plan offices as a way of encouraging impromptu collaborative problem solving among workers. However, while collaboration increases in open-plan offices, a commensurate increase in general noise can hinder employees that need quieter conditions to prosper. In this paper, the effects of conversational noise within an open plan environment are quantified, and the degree to which noise restrictions compromise problem-solving examined. Measurements indicate that the noise levels from six people conversing (two conversations) in a 1,300 square foot room were sufficient for collaboration, but were near the boundaries for disturbing those working nearby. This suggests a limit on appropriate densities of spontaneous collaborative talk in open offices. At the same time, concern about disturbing others may have hampered creativity during collaborative talk. Subject surveys also indicated an increase in non-verbal collaboration in later tests, suggesting a willingness from occupants to seek a balance between collaboration and quiet.