You don't! The open office workplace, particularly our workstations, are not conducive to either focus or collaboration any longer. Attempting to focus and collaborate simultaneously is impossible - and multitasking is bad for our brain health. Create workspaces with varieties of space types so users can identify and use spaces that align to the task they need to perform. Need to focus? Go in a focus room. Need to collaborate? Use a space designed for collaboration - virtual or in-person. And lastly, train yourself to think differently about how you perform your work. Don't just sit at a desk on auto-pilot! Allow yourself the autonomy to choose where to get stuff done.

In a noisy open office, balance collaboration and focus by: Setting Clear Zones: Have designated 'collaboration zones' for group discussions and quiet areas for focused work. Using Digital Tools: Rely on messaging apps to reduce noisy conversations. Offering Flexibility: Allow remote work or flexible schedules to help employees concentrate. Managing Noise: Use noise-canceling headphones or sound-absorbing materials. Encouraging Focus-Friendly Habits: Set specific 'quiet hours' for focused work, use "Do Not Disturb" signals, and keep meetings short. Creating Multiple Workspaces: Provide spaces tailored for either focus or collaboration. Empowering Autonomy: Let employees choose the environment that best suits their tasks.

To maintain collaboration and focus in an open office with noise distractions, it's essential to establish clear communication norms by designating collaboration zones and utilizing digital tools for communication. Offering flexible work options, such as remote work and flexible schedules, can help team members concentrate better. Incorporating noise management solutions, like noise-canceling headphones and sound-absorbing materials, alongside fostering a culture that respects focus—through quiet hours, visual "Do Not Disturb" signals, and structured, time-bound meetings—can significantly reduce distractions. Additionally, encouraging positive social interactions through team-building activities and promoting training.

I block off specific times during the day for uninterrupted work. During these periods, I let my team know I won’t be available for random discussions but will be open afterward. I also schedule regular check-ins or brainstorming sessions. This way, everyone knows when we can collaborate without disrupting each other’s flow. I’ve found it helpful to encourage a culture where we ask, "Is now a good time?" before starting conversations. It gives me and others the chance to opt out of distractions when we’re in the middle of something important. And finally, Noise-Cancelling Headphones are a lifesaver for blocking out background chatter.

In an open office with constant noise distractions, maintaining both collaboration and focus can be challenging but achievable with the right strategies. I believe it's all about balance. One approach is to use noise-cancelling headphones or a quiet space for tasks that require deep focus, while setting specific times for collaboration to ensure it doesn't get lost in the distractions. Clear communication and boundaries with the team also help; for example, signaling when you're in "focus mode" versus "collaboration mode." Flexibility and adaptability are key in such environments to keep productivity and teamwork aligned.