Open Secret

Why open-plan offices are just the worst

- Ruby Parker

I’M WRITING THIS FROM A SOFA IN THE LOBBY.

Why not at my desk, you may ask? Well, it’s like this: my office has recently gone – shudder – open-plan. But shouldn’t a writer be able to tune out the noise of the mundane world, while communing with the gods of inspiration? Well, I defy you to tune out Ashley* from sales. Not even Beats by Dr Dre is up to the task.

It used to be that every department had their own dedicated space, but now we’re all on one, big, open floor. No more crying silently at your desk at an impending deadline – now the whole office can see your meltdown. You can’t even go to your editor because their office has glass doors. Like a fishbowl!