> Perhaps software devs are either more outgoing, No, I think we've got a larger proportion of introverts in SW development than compared to many other fields.

> Perhaps software devs are either more outgoing, No, I think we've got a larger proportion of introverts in SW development than compared to many other fields. > can manage distractions easier, Definitely no. When you're developing code you're essentially loading up that code into your brain. Every interruption causes it to fall out of your head and you need to start that process over. It can take a good half hour or more to get into the programming "zone", so each interruption costs a significant amount of time. Interruptions are really bad for software development productivity. > or have some other secret method to flourish in open plan. Nope. A very good pair of noise cancelling earphones maybe help some, but mostly we just have to put up with it because that's what management decided to do to save a little money without realizing that it's detrimental to productivity.