The collaborative nature of open-plan workplace invites visual, acoustic distractions, digital and social interruptions that inhibits the ability to focus. These distractions can have a direct or indirect impact on individual emotional well-being, work performance, social interactions and in turn organization outcomes.
Two leading Tech organizations in Toronto, Canada were approached to study the interpersonal communication within open-plan workplace using mixed methods such as survey, observations, and semi-structured interviews with managers and employees.
The research explores the question: How can the workplace be better prepared and designed to support the worker of the future with Emotional Intelligence(EI) and Inclusive approaches for performance and effective interpersonal communication? A design prototype is offered as a tool to mitigate the challenges faced by harnessing better interpersonal communication in the open-plan workplace.
Keywords: Open-Plan Distractions, Social Interruptions, Social Cues, Emotional Well-Being, Interpersonal Communication, Emotional Intelligence, Inclusive Design, Diverse Workforce