1 How to survive in open space office?

source: google

Since the building I work in, is under renovation, we will be moving to temporary office, a large open space one.  I heard, that this type of office space arrangement is no longer popular worldwide, but in Poland it’s the other way round- most new office buildings offer open space office only, or the are a majority. And while it helps to communicate with Your co-workers and saves time, it’s sometimes difficult to get along.

So we tried to make a list of basic rules, how to survive in open space office. Most of them are no-brainers, but since many people in my firm asked about this, maybe they’re not as obvious as I thought.

1.   Keep Your voice down. Open space offices are usually louder than average, with people moving and talking at the same time, and it lacks natural voice barriers- curtains, walls, furniture.
2. Turn Your phone ringtone volume down. There’s nothing more annoying than a loud music(no matter how popular), starting out of the blue and going on and on, because phone owner went somewhere.  Also, answer Your phone quickly.
3. Don’t eat anything with strong smell as air-conditioning will distribute the smell all over the office. Onion, fish, Indian food are off-limit, in fact anything heated. Don’t torture hungry co-workers with delicious smells, use kitchen or other area provided.
4.  Apart from picking up every scent and distributing it all over the office, air-conditioning will probably make the open space either freezing or tropical. Keep a blazer or cardigan at hand (or if Your company provides hoodies etc. get one of those. Not the most stylish garment in the world, but it will keep You warm and You will use it only in office). It can also spread the germs, so beware.
5. Arrange Your space with care. Check Your company  rules and apply them. Also, try to keep the space as tidy and clutter free as possible. Remember, everyone can see Your desk and while no one will comment, it affects Your image at work. Don’t avoid personal stuff, it will warm up Your space and make open space more friendly.
6.  If You need to focus and the noise prevents it, use Your mp3. Check if it’s allowed and keep the volume down, obviously, so You can hear Your phone and don’t bother co-workers. You could also use ear plugs, but I wouldn’t recommend it. They are invisible to others and can cause frustration in Your co-workers, when they talk and You ignore them.
7. Remain calm and try to make best of it. Open space actually help to knit a group of people together, and it’s easier to organize an event. You can have lot of fun, especially if You work with people in
   similar age.

Do You work in open space office, or “regular” office? 

How do You deal with noise?