An Assessment of an Open Plan Office Setup on Concentration Levels: A Case of Deloitte and Touche, Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study sought to understand conditions, which enable employees who currently work in the open plan office set ups, to achieve higher levels of concentration and to focus on their work. 50 full time employees of Deloitte & Touche Zimbabwe from both the Harare and Bulawayo offices were used as research participants. Self-completion questionnaires and interviews were used as research instruments. Literature on open space work plans was reviewed to understand how such office plans were developed over the years and how they were implemented in other organisations and the implications thereof. The study showed that the most common noise heard by most workers who work in open plan offices were their colleagues’ voices and that office temperature was considered uncontrollable, too low or too high. The study also showed that office ergonomics like the office furniture was considered uncomfortable but the lighting levels were considered very comfortable. Most respondents considered office space available as adequate for them to perform work tasks satisfactorily. The study further showed that privacy and security were considered very important in the workplace with most respondents saying they feel safe in open plan offices but they do not have conversation or telephone privacy. The study recommends that there is need to install air conditioning and climate control in the various sections of open plan offices to cater for different needs of occupants. The study further recommends the adoption of strict noise controlling measures that emphasise the issue of noise reduction to all staff, old and new. Also recommended is for the organisation to invest in more comfortable chairs. For optimal conversation privacy, the study recommends the adoption of innovative acoustic designs already on the market including acoustic tiles for wall and ceiling cladding, insulated partitions and high backed chairs which employees can move to, in order to have a private discussion or to take a private phone call.