Environment is important to us, even if we’re not fully cognizant of the role in plays in the way we feel and behave. Research suggests it affects creativity, efficiency, productivity and satisfaction.

Today’s work environments are morphing into spaces that are open, few to no walls or private offices. For some people, this is great. For others, not so much. According to researcher John Hackston, your preference depends on your personality.

Extraverts, he says, are significantly happier in the open floor plan environment than introverts. They even report higher levels of productivity. He says personality differences can also be the source of conflicts that arise in open space environments – conflicts over things like the clean desk policy, the ability to personalize workstations, having a place to secure sensitive information and store personal effects, and access to quiet areas.

 

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