It’ll lower your stress levels for the rest of the day.
THE GIST
Researchers fitted people with wearable trackers during the workweek to see if there were any links between office layout, physical activity, and stress levels.
Their study shows that people who work in open offices are 20 percent and 32 percent more active during the day than those who work in cubicles or private offices, respectively. On top of that, their physiological stress levels were 14 percent lower after leaving the office compared to everyone else.
Their study shows that people who work in open offices are 20 percent and 32 percent more active during the day than those who work in cubicles or private offices, respectively. On top of that, their physiological stress levels were 14 percent lower after leaving the office compared to everyone else.
EXPERT INSIGHT
People are more aware of their colleagues in open settings, so everyone can hear and see what you say and do, says lead author Casey Lindberg, Ph.D., research associate at the University of Arizona Institute on Place, Wellbeing, and Performance in Tucson.
But there’s also an upside: The communal conditions force people to scope out private spots away from their workspaces for things like meetings and phone calls. Moving throughout the day, even in short bursts, both ups your step count and activates physiological changes that zap stress for the entire day, Lindberg explains.
But there’s also an upside: The communal conditions force people to scope out private spots away from their workspaces for things like meetings and phone calls. Moving throughout the day, even in short bursts, both ups your step count and activates physiological changes that zap stress for the entire day, Lindberg explains.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Even if you have a cubicle or a private office, opt to take calls and hold meetings in a conference room, empty atrium, or other secluded area, he says. On days you’re tied to your desk, set a timer for 90 minutes (on pace with your body’s natural attention cycle) and walk a lap around the office each time it goes off.