Partitioned office

Definition of a partitioned office

A partitioned office, or a closed office, is a workspace that is separated from others by partitions or walls, thus creating private and isolated workspaces.

Depending on the desired degree of privacy and separation, the partitions can be:

• Partial or complete up to the ceiling
• With a greater or lesser thickness
• And a high acoustic level, depending on the level

This type of office layout was very common several years ago, but companies are now opting for more open layouts, particularly with open-plan offices that promote teamwork. However, some companies retain these closed offices, but modernise them after a renovation project.

Examples of partitioned offices

Partitioned offices can exist in different forms:

• Glass partitions: they are gaining in popularity thanks to their aesthetic and acoustic advantages. They maintain some visual transparency while providing sound insulation. These solutions also provide a brighter environment in other rooms, such as corridors, which are often without windows. This glass partition can be fixed or removable, offering the possibility of reconfiguring the defined area according to projects and needs (for dividing a meeting room, for example).
• Removable partitions: these partitions are particularly popular because they adapt quickly to changes in the dynamics of work. You can easily set up several meeting rooms in individual spaces.
• Separations of different heights: without necessarily using real partitions, these walls of variable height can easily delimit an open space to create semi-open offices while maintaining some visual connectivity.

To install partitions in your offices, it is advisable to call on professionals who will offer you many choices and quotes.

The advantages

This layout solution may have some advantages. First of all, it offers privacy and personal space to each employee who can work quietly without noise pollution, as can be the case in a shared space. It is therefore a good way to **improve concentration** and take care of tasks that require confidentiality.

A partitioned office can also allow employees to personalise their workspace according to their needs and preferences.

The disadvantages

However, this type of layout has disadvantages. Indeed, employees have different needs and now want to work in open spaces.

With offices equipped with partitions, communication between employees can be greatly reduced, whether during working hours or during breaks. Collaboration may also decrease due to the physical isolation that these partitioned offices can create.

In summary

Partitioned offices are workspaces with individual separations offering privacy and personalisation in a company's premises. Different types of partitions, such as glass walls, are popular for their aesthetics and insulation. Removable partitions are appreciated for their adaptability. However, partitioning can limit the communication and collaboration that employees working on site expect!