Recent research revealed that culture of open-plan offices has adverse effect on the health of people working in there. Researchers led by Dr. Vinesh Oommen of Queensland University found that 90% of workers in the ubiquitous corporate space reported adverse health and psychological effects, as well as higher turnover.

Dr. Vinesh Oommen said: "Employees face a multitude of problems such as the loss of privacy, loss of identity, low work productivity, various health issues, overstimulation and low job satisfaction when working in an open plan work environment."

An open plan work environment saves up to 20% of construction costs. Such work environment is more vulnerable to germ transmission leading to illnesses such as influenza and workplace conflicts, with people sitting so close to their neighbor that even a ringing phone could irritate.

Oommen added: "(But) workplace design must go beyond cost-saving to cater for the multifaceted social and psychological needs of employees."