If your productivity is measured by getting code out that works and is maintainable, or any other activity that requires focus for extended periods of time, the

If your productivity is measured by getting code out that works and is maintainable, or any other activity that requires focus for extended periods of time, then getting interrupted in an open layout office is going to bring it down. Having a quiet office that's insulated from drive-by management and other distractions can really help in that regards. If I remember correctly, Peopleware [1] devotes a longer explanation as to why. If your work isn't that and requires more collaboration than concentration, open layout offices probably work better for those kinds of work. [1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peopleware:_Productive_Projects_and_Teams http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peopleware:_Productive_Projects...