In today’s work environment, hybrid meetings, virtual calls, and collaboration are common. However, many workplaces lack the diverse spaces needed to accommodate various work behaviors. As privacy requirements change, workplaces must adapt.
The Evolution of Privacy in the Workplace
The key to designing floorplans with adequate privacy means more than just adding private offices or meeting rooms. There also needs to be a range of flexible options and a variety of spaces to support different needs and behaviors throughout the day. This means balancing open, shielded and enclosed spaces.
Balancing a Range of Privacy Needs
Privacy should be available across the workplace in diverse ways—enclosed, shielded and open spaces that support the work modes throughout the day.
Open
Encourage collaboration but can also create distractions. Privacy can be maintained through intentional design and workplace norms.
Shielded
Provide partial separation, allowing employees to focus while staying connected to the office.
Enclosed
Offer full privacy for focused work, recharging, or confidential conversations.
Privacy Design Considerations
Space Planning
Consider spatial context when planning for privacy across a workplace.
Product Impact
Product selection and materiality can play a key role in amplifying privacy in a variety of spaces.
Behaviors
Implement cultural protocols and permissions to support an individual’s understanding and use of the space.
Wellbeing
Support individual needs by promoting a person’s choice and control within their space.
Spaces to Support the Behaviors Behind Privacy Needs
Privacy needs vary throughout the day, depending on the activity. People require focus, quiet for sensitive conversations, undisturbed video calls, or a calm space to recharge. Teams also need privacy for confidential discussions or brainstorming sessions without interruptions.
Library
A ‘library’ is a dedicated, quiet destination for individuals to break away from a buzzing workplace with fewer distractions.
Taking a Call
Pods and enclaves near workstations provide a place to quickly step away to take a call or virtual meeting without distracting others.
Focusing on Routine Tasks
Workstations provide a dependable place to get day-to-day tasks done with just enough privacy to focus without being too separated.
Deep Concentration
Deep concentration requires quiet, low-stimulation spaces—like libraries and high performance nooks—for people to think deeply, solve complex problems and stay focused.
Impromptu Collaborations
Flexible, ready-to-use spaces where quick conversations can happen naturally and without needing to book a room.
Collaborative Meetings
Meeting rooms and meeting pods support engagement and allow confidential information for both in-person and hybrid participants.
Sharing Confidential Information
Fully enclosed meeting rooms provide high levels of privacy for confidential discussions and information sharing.
Socializing
Welcoming spaces like cafes or lounges with light shielding allow people to connect casually while still providing physical and acoustic boundaries.
Research + Insights on Privacy
The Possibilities of Privacy
Steelcase research shows privacy is the #1 employee need today in the office. But privacy is not just about being alone. And a one-size-fits-all approach does not work.
The New Power of Privacy
Access to privacy is critical in today’s workplace: Steelcase Researchers share insights about the new demands and motivations surrounding hybrid work.
Privacy: The Ultimate Perk
Despite what you may be hearing, people need more spaces to do individual, focus work in the office.
The Privacy Crisis
Although workplaces today make it seemingly easy for people to collaborate, most leaders remain dissatisfied with the pace and frequency of breakthroughs.
