Where we're going, we don't need headphones

Re:Where we're going, we don't need headphones by valuearb on Sunday June 18, 2017 @04:51PM (#14582856)

It's great that you don't find conversations distracting, the problem is that others do. The best solution is to offer a work environment that both meets yours and their needs. An open office environment is death to productivity for lots of developers, they don't have the option to shut a door. It simply doesn't and can't work for a large portion of the work force.

A single person office environment is more productive for almost everyone. But it doesn't have to be forced on you, for example there is no reason why center areas can't be left open for those that prefer them.

But in reality the best way to collaborate is to do it in pieces. You come to my office. I come to yours. We invite the team to a conference room.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Where we're going, we don't need headphones by gfodor on Sunday June 18, 2017 @06:05PM (#14583230)

Yes, note my first sentence "the trick is giving people control." I was countering the commonly held view that for all people, all the time, no coding can be done with ambient noise. This was the claim of the post I was replying to "If you are constantly expected to be able to 'overhear' conversations while coding, I don't see how you could get anything done."

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Where we're going, we don't need headphones by pseudalopex on Sunday June 18, 2017 @07:43PM (#14583644)

I doubt they meant literally anything. It's a common idiom. Also, a conversation that's loud enough to understand is more than just ambient noise.

[ Parent | on HN ]