This conversation offers a comprehensive, evidence-based critique of the widespread adoption of open-plan office configurations, arguing that while they provide facility cost savings, these designs consistently correlate with significant intangible expenses related to human capital. By synthesizing findings from 31 peer-reviewed studies, the source demonstrates that open-plan environments lead to elevated stress, reduced concentration, decreased job satisfaction, and lower productivity compared to cellular offices, effectively eliminating financial savings. To mitigate these negative outcomes, the source outlines several evidence-based interventions, including investing heavily in acoustic management, flexible zoning with quiet rooms, individual environmental controls, and sophisticated organizational change management to address the documented negative consequences. The article ultimately challenges organizations to recalibrate their financial models to appropriately weigh staff costs (82% of operating expenses) against facility costs (5%) when making design decisions.

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