As the workplace evolves, so do the needs of its inhabitants. With the rise of hybrid work, employees face new challenges and decisions that were previously non-existent. Should I book a space for a meeting? Is it appropriate to take a video call in an open space? How do I balance focus time with collaboration? These questions have become a regular part of the workday, highlighting a crucial need for workplace privacy.
According to research by Steelcase, privacy has emerged as the top priority for employees, surpassing even well-being spaces. Tirthankar Basu, India Managing Director of Steelcase, says: “During the survey, employees ranked privacy as their priority on the list, with spaces for well-being coming second. There is no surprise to see such insights, given access to privacy and finding places in offices is essential for helping us think and feel better, which in turn boosts our productivity.”
Understanding the Demand for Privacy Steelcase researchers in Europe and Asia conducted extensive studies involving interviews, diaries, and surveys with hundreds of employees. Their findings reveal new motivations and demands around privacy in hybrid work environments. What’s striking is how meetings have introduced new distractions.
Many employees feel they lack adequate privacy options, especially as workplaces transition to more shared spaces.
The Three Pillars of Privacy in the Workplace
Employees’ need for privacy is influenced by three key factors:
1. Environmental Awareness: Workers assess the privacy on their current space offers, the
proximity of others, and the company’s culture regarding open-space meetings
2. Task-Specific Needs: The nature of the task dictates privacy needs. Confidential work, focus-
intensive tasks, and personal conversations all require different levels of privacy
3. Emotional State: Personal preferences, self-awareness, and mood play a significant role. Somedays, employees may need to step away from the limelight, while others may thrive on interaction with colleagues
To address these varying needs, workplaces should offer a range of privacy solutions, from acoustic to territorial privacy, giving employees control over their environment. By doing so, companies can foster a productive atmosphere where employees can focus, connect, and recharge as needed.
Balancing Control and Demand
Employees’ privacy needs can be categorized into three levels:
1. High Control and Demand: For tasks requiring intense focus or confidentiality, employees seek spaces with maximum acoustic and visual privacy.
2. Moderate Control and Demand: For work that demands concentration but allows some level of interaction, semi-enclosed spaces offer a balance of privacy and accessibility.
3. Low Control and Demand: When tasks are less demanding, such as listening to a call or sending emails, employees may opt for open spaces that require minimal privacy.
The Future of Privacy in the Workplace
In today’s fast-evolving work landscape, privacy is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. By providing employees with a variety of privacy options, companies can enhance productivity, foster creativity, and support overall well-being. The shift from open spaces to private nooks is not just a trend; it’s a response to the changing demands of modern work, where privacy is key to powering productivity.
