Open-plan offices can encourage collaboration and make better use of available space, but choosing the right workstations is essential. A poorly designed setup can lead to excessive noise, distractions and discomfort. At New Office, we help Australian businesses select workstations that balance collaboration with focus. This guide explains what to consider so your open plan office works well for every member of your team.
Key Takeaways
- Plan around how your team actually works.
- Screens and layout help control noise and distraction.
- Adjustable desks support comfort for different users.
- Allow for storage, cabling and future growth.
- Pair open workstations with quiet spaces.
Why Workstation Choice Matters in Open Plan Offices
Open plan layouts remain a popular choice for Australian businesses. They can reduce fitout costs, improve visibility and help teams share ideas more easily.
However, they also bring challenges. Research from the University of Sydney, published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, analysed surveys from more than 42,000 office workers. It found that people in open plan offices were less satisfied with their workspace than those in private offices, with uncontrolled noise and lack of privacy the main concerns.
The good news is that well chosen workstations can reduce many of these problems.
1. Start With How Your Team Works
Before choosing furniture, look closely at how your people spend their day. A sales team on the phone needs a different setup from a design team reviewing large drawings.
Ask these questions:
- How much time do staff spend on calls or video meetings?
- Which roles need deep focus and which need constant collaboration?
- How many people are in the office on a typical day?
- Do staff need multiple monitors or large work surfaces?
Work patterns have also changed. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 36 per cent of employed people usually worked from home in August 2025. Among managers and professionals, the figure was 59 per cent.
The Australia Institute reported that 40 per cent of people who work from home do so one to two days a week. This means many offices now need fewer fixed desks and more flexible arrangements.
2. Choose the Right Workstation Layout
The layout you choose shapes how the space looks, feels and functions. Common open plan configurations include:
- Linear Workstations: Desks in straight rows, ideal for maximising space
- Back to Back Pods: Two facing rows that encourage teamwork
- Cluster Workstations: Groups of three to six desks for project teams
- L Shaped and Corner Desks: More surface area for focused roles
- Benching Systems: Long shared desks that suit flexible or hybrid teams
At New Office, the range of office desks and workstations includes configurations to suit a wide variety of open plan layouts.
3. Plan for Noise and Privacy
Noise is the most common complaint in open plan offices. Research from Bond University, published in the Journal of Management and Organisation, found that exposure to typical open plan office noise increased negative mood by 25 per cent and physiological stress by 34 per cent.
HC Magazine reported research showing that 99 per cent of Australian and New Zealand workers in open plan offices said they were distracted. More than half used headphones to cope.
Workstation features that help include:
- Desk mounted screens to reduce visual and sound distraction
- Acoustic panels made from sound absorbing materials
- Screen heights that offer privacy when seated
- Thoughtful spacing between teams with different noise levels
Pairing open workstations with quiet rooms and meeting spaces gives staff somewhere to go for calls and focused work.
4. Prioritise Ergonomics and Adjustability
In an open plan office, many different people may use the same type of desk. Adjustable workstations make it easier for each person to work comfortably.
Look for:
- Height adjustable desks for sitting and standing
- Sufficient desk depth for correct monitor distance
- Monitor arms to position screens at eye level
- Ergonomic chairs that match the desk height
Seating matters just as much as the desk. Choose commercial office chairs that suit long working days.
5. Think Carefully About Hot Desking
Hot desking can reduce the number of desks you need, but it requires careful planning. An article by Bond University researcher Dr Libby Sander, published by Commercial Real Estate, noted that an Australian study of 1,000 employees linked shared desk environments to more distractions, distrust and reduced perceived support from supervisors.
If you introduce shared desks, make the experience as smooth as possible:
- Choose desks that adjust quickly and easily
- Provide lockers for personal belongings
- Use a simple desk booking system
- Keep some assigned desks for roles that need them
6. Include Storage and Cable Management
Clutter makes open plan offices look busy and feel stressful. Good storage keeps desks clear and spaces tidy.
Consider mobile pedestals, overhead storage, lockers and shared cupboards. Integrated cable trays and power modules also help keep cords out of sight and reduce trip hazards.
7. Allow Room to Grow
Business needs change. Modular workstations can be expanded, reconfigured or relocated as your team grows or your work patterns shift.
When planning, leave enough space for walkways, chair movement and future desks. Avoid packing workstations too tightly, as crowded layouts increase noise and reduce comfort.
Businesses in every state face similar decisions.
8. Balance Open Areas With Other Spaces
Open plan works best as part of a wider mix of spaces. A survey of Actuaries Institute members reported by Actuaries Digital found that 83 per cent worked in open plan offices, with privacy and noise the main challenges.
Many workers cope by wearing headphones, messaging instead of talking or working after hours. Providing the right range of spaces can reduce the need for these workarounds.
The New Daily also reported suggested solutions such as quiet zones, meeting rooms and social areas to support concentration and collaboration.
A balanced office might include:
- Open workstations for everyday tasks
- Quiet zones for focused work
- Phone booths or small rooms for calls
- Collaborative areas for team meetings
- Breakout spaces for informal conversations
A Quick Workstation Checklist
- Review how your team works and how often they are in the office.
- Choose a layout that suits your space and workflow.
- Add screens and acoustic solutions to manage noise.
- Select adjustable desks and ergonomic chairs.
- Plan storage, power and cable management.
- Leave room for growth and flexibility.
Conclusion
The right workstations can turn an open plan office into a space that supports both collaboration and focus. By planning around your team, managing noise, choosing adjustable furniture and allowing room to grow, you can create a comfortable and productive workplace. Contact us today to find open plan workstations that suit your space, your people and your budget.
FAQs:
What is the best workstation layout for an open plan office?
The best layout depends on your team. Pods suit collaboration, while linear rows maximise space and simplify planning.
How do you reduce noise in an open plan office?
Use desk screens, acoustic panels, quiet zones and phone booths, and separate noisy teams from focused work areas.
How much space should be between workstations?
Allow enough space for chairs to move freely and for safe walkways, avoiding crowded layouts that increase noise.
Are desk screens worth it in open plan offices?
Yes. Desk screens improve privacy, reduce visual distraction and can help absorb sound between neighbouring workstations.
What are the disadvantages of open plan offices?
Common drawbacks include noise, distraction and reduced privacy, which careful workstation planning can help reduce.
Are height adjustable desks good for open plan offices?
Yes. Height adjustable desks suit different users, support movement and work well for shared or flexible workstations.