Open office? Here’s how to make it productive.

The open office was introduced years ago. It promised collaboration, transparency and flexibility. But today, we often hear: "I’m more productive at home." Recent studies show that it’s not the washing machine that draws people home, but the constant stimuli and distractions at the office. 

At Pami, we see that the problem doesn’t lie in the idea of openness, but in how it’s executed. The difference between an office that inspires and one that frustrates comes down to how the space is designed. Our brains aren’t built for constant input, and a good design must take that into account. 

So how do you transform an open office into a place where people want to work—and can work?   

Acoustics: silence is golden 

Noise is by far the biggest challenge in open offices. It’s not just the chatter of colleagues or the ringing of phones; even the constant tapping of keyboards or the hiss of coffee machines can break concentration. And often, it’s not even the volume that matters, but the intelligibility of the sound. 

How you address this largely determines whether employees can concentrate or feel constantly distracted. In a well-designed space, sounds aren’t eliminated—they’re regulated. Think of materials that absorb sound, and layouts that give meetings and phone calls their own designated areas. This creates a balance between liveliness and tranquillity. Employees can confer with each other without disrupting others, while the office remains lively and inviting. That’s why acoustics isn’t an afterthought, it’s a strategic part of the design. 

Visual stimuli: calm for the eyes   

Our brains constantly process what we see, and too much movement or colour can lead to mental fatigue or distraction. Yet open offices offer great opportunities to inspire when visual elements are used thoughtfully.  

It's about gently guiding attention: sightlines that connect without overstimulating, colours and materials that give each zone its own atmosphere, and plants, furniture or light partitions that add structure without creating walls. This makes the space not only functional but also aesthetically appealing, which helps employees feel engaged and energised. 

Work zones: a place for every need  

Work zones ultimately make the difference between chaos and efficiency. Not every task requires the same environment: deeply focus calls for quiet and isolation, while creative sessions and collaboration thrive in open, dynamic settings. Social interaction in informal spaces adds another dimension: a quick chat at the coffee machine or an impromptu conversation in a lounge corner can be just as productive as a formal meeting. By aligning the different zones, employees can easily switch between focus and collaboration without losing the open character of the office. 

Flexibility as an extra layer 

Flexibility and adaptability have become increasingly important in today’s office landscape. People switch desks more often, teams grow or shrink, and projects sometimes require temporary collaboration spaces. An open office built for this combines fixed workstations with flexible zones that can be easily adapted to the activity or team size. This not only boosts productivity but also strengthens employees’ sense of autonomy and engagement. 

The open office as a layered environment 

A modern open office is much more than a large room without walls. It’s a layered environment where acoustics, visual stimuli and work zones work together to create focus, inspiration and flexibility. It’s a place where employees feel heard and seen, where concentration and collaboration complement each other, and where creative ideas are given room to grow. We believe the secret of a successful open office isn’t about removing walls, but in creating a thoughtful, dynamic and supportive environment built around people. 

Want to discover how your open office can truly work for your team?