Open-plan offices cause stress, not communication

Di Valerie Linc ·

According to psychoanalyst Peter Schneider, open-plan offices sacrifice employee well-being to optimize space, causing stress and micro-conflicts

Contesto

In brief - Open-plan offices cause stress and discomfort - Peter Schneider: 'Pure propaganda to optimize spaces' - 68% of employees use headphones to isolate themselves ## Key facts - What: Criticism of open-plan offices for generating stress - When: April 28, 2026 - Where: Interview published by Tages-Anzeiger - Who: Peter Schneider, psychoanalyst - Amount: 68% of employees use headphones The open-plan office, often presented as an environment that fosters communication among colleagues, actually generates stress and discomfort. This is stated by Peter Schneider, a psychoanalyst interviewed by Tages-Anzeiger. According to the expert, open-plan offices are a form of corporate propaganda that sacrifices the well-being of employees in the name of space optimization. 'Large rooms are created specifically so that employees can communicate better,' says Schneider, 'but it's pure propaganda. The real goal is to better exploit the space, even at the expense of the objective and subjective quality of work.' In open-plan offices, micro-conflicts are a daily occurrence: from the colleague who hammers on the keyboard to the one who takes the chocolate from the common fridge. To defend themselves from this chaotic environment, 68% of employees wear headphones, a sort of legitimate defense against not having their own little spot anymore. Moreover, the rule 'first come, first served' means that no one has a fixed desk anymore, forcing workers to recreate the small office within the large one, perhaps by putting up family photos to assert their personality. ### Why does no one dare to ask the colleague to lower their voice? Schneider explains that asking a colleague to lower their voice would make working in an open-plan office even more difficult. 'You can't have both: cram as m...

Dettagli operativi

Implications for cross-border workers Open-plan offices are becoming increasingly common in Ticino, especially in companies with cross-border employees. This type of work environment can have various implications for workers who cross the Italian-Swiss border daily. ### Stress and productivity The stress caused by open-plan offices can negatively impact the productivity of cross-border workers. According to Schneider, the chaotic and noisy environment can distract employees, making it harder to focus on tasks. This can lead to a decrease in the quality of work and an increase in the time needed to complete activities. ### Communication and collaboration Despite the stated goal of open-plan offices being to improve communication among colleagues, reality is often different. Cross-border workers, who already face challenges related to language and company culture, may find it even harder to integrate into an open and noisy work environment. This can lead to reduced collaboration and a sense of isolation. ### Health and well-being A stressful work environment can have repercussions on the physical and mental health of cross-border workers. Chronic stress can lead to problems such as anxiety, insomnia, and headaches. Additionally, the lack of privacy and personal space can negatively impact psychological well-being. ### What can cross-border workers do? Cross-border workers who work in open-plan offices can adopt some strategies to reduce stress and improve their work experience. For example, they can use noise-canceling headphones to isolate themselves from background noise. Additionally, they can try to create a small personal space within the office, perhaps with family photos or personal items. ### Comparisons with the previous situation Before the advent of open-p...

Punti chiave

What to do if you work in an open space? If you are a cross-border worker who works in an open space and feel that this environment is negatively impacting your productivity and well-being, there are some actions you can take. ### Talk to your employer The first step is to talk to your employer or the human resources manager. Explain to them how the work environment is affecting your health and productivity. You might suggest solutions such as better acoustic insulation, quiet rooms for phone calls, or fixed workstations. ### Create your own space If it's not possible to modify the work environment, try to create a small personal space within the office. You can hang family photos, bring personal items, or use noise-canceling headphones to isolate yourself from background noise. ### Use headphones Headphones can be a great ally to isolate yourself from noise and focus better. Try to find a model that allows you to clearly hear important calls and conversations, but at the same time muffles background noise. ### Manage your time Try to organize your workday so that you perform the most important tasks when the office is less noisy. For example, you might choose to work on complex projects early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when there are fewer people in the office. ### Consider remote work If possible, talk to your employer about the possibility of working from home a few days a week. Remote work can offer a quieter work environment and allow you to focus better on your activities. ### Use site tools To further explore the implications of working in an open space and find personalized solutions, you can use the tools available on the site. For example, the salary calculator can help you assess the impact of your work environment on your salary and well-...

Punti chiave

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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I reduce stress while working in an open space?
You can adopt various strategies to reduce stress in an open space. For example, use noise-canceling headphones, create a small personal space with photos or personal items, organize your workday to tackle the most important tasks when the office is quieter, and consider the possibility of working from home a few days a week.
What can I do if my colleague speaks too loudly?
If your colleague speaks too loudly, you can try talking to them kindly and asking them to lower their voice. If that's not possible, you can use noise-canceling headphones to isolate yourself from background noise. Additionally, you can suggest to your employer to improve soundproofing or create quiet rooms for phone calls.
What are the advantages of remote work compared to an open-space office?
Remote work offers several advantages over an open-space office. For example, it allows you to work in a quieter environment and focus better on your tasks. Additionally, remote work can offer greater flexibility and help you manage your time between work and private life more effectively.

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