I have a similar story, but the outcomes differ significantly. When we were planning some new office space for a move, some of the staff wanted open concept, w

I have a similar story, but the outcomes differ significantly. When we were planning some new office space for a move, some of the staff wanted open concept, while others wanted their own space with privacy. It was a tough conversation given that a moral air was added to it -- one where those who favored open concept were collaborative and selfless, while those who wanted a private space were selfish and insular. Regardless, we designed a new office space that had both (it was designed for significant growth): An open area, similar to what was trending in the "startup world" (cargo culting), and private areas (not quite private offices, but tall private cubicle walls on all sides, strong sound abatement, no concern that someone is creeping behind you, etc). We moved and let people pick their spots essentially anonymously. Every single one chose a private area, with the majority selecting the most private area which ended up being assigned by a random drawing. Indeed, it struck me that the person who was the most outspoken about open concept and all that jazz was the one who complained the most about others intruding in their quiet zone (they complained about music, loud conversations between peers, etc).