Silicon Valley firms in no hurry to open up offices despite easing of virus ban

Re:Silicon Valley firms in no hurry to open up offices despi... by PascLeRasc on Wednesday March 24, 2021 @04:51PM (#26572717)

I actually feel and work much better in an open-plan office. The energy of other people being present keeps me very focused and I really like that it’s so easy to collaborate. I think it helps prevent me from being burned out.

However this is all predicated on open office being a layout where your desk is made of wood, hardwood flooring instead of carpet, your coworkers Aeron is 5’ or less from yours, massive windows close by, and there aren’t any forms of walls other than computer monitors. Cubicles require me to attend therapy.

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Re:Silicon Valley firms in no hurry to open up offices despi... by m463 on Wednesday March 24, 2021 @05:44PM (#26573351)

I think introverts do not thrive in the environment you're describing.

Unfortunately introverts are not well represented in management or the types of people who make decisions about seating.

Also unfortunately, many (most?) software developers are introverts.

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Re:Silicon Valley firms in no hurry to open up offices despi... by maxbreaker on Thursday March 25, 2021 @12:56AM (#26576736)

I'm an introvert. And a VPE. In the SF Bay Area.

I absolutely despise open office plans. I can't work in them.

My productivity shot an incredible amount as soon as I had no choice than to work from home in March, and everybody else in the office. Saved 2 hours a day. And I can use my own bathroom... that alone is worth it.

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Re:Silicon Valley firms in no hurry to open up offices despi... by 1shooner on Wednesday March 24, 2021 @10:29PM (#26575897)

>The energy of other people being present keeps me very focused

This is the opposite of my personal experience. The energy of other people distracts and interrupts. Collaboration that interrupts focused solo work has rarely if ever been a net gain.

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