The Possibilities of Privacy: Rethinking Workspaces for Wellbeing and Focus

In the evolving landscape of workplace design, privacy has emerged as the number one demand from employees, and with good reason. According to Steelcase research, the absence of privacy isn’t merely an inconvenience; it’s a significant contributor to stress, reduced engagement, and dwindling well-being. Without it, people struggle to focus, collaborate effectively, or simply recharge during the day.

The so-called “privacy crisis” first gained traction in 2014, when open-plan offices, once heralded as the future of collaboration, began drawing criticism for leaving people overexposed and overwhelmed. The pandemic deepened this conversation. Working from home, many discovered the value of autonomy over their surroundings, even amid domestic chaos. Upon returning to the office, the contrast was stark: in many workplaces, the problem of having too few private spaces had grown more acute.

Today, the challenge isn’t solved by returning to rows of private offices. Research shows that people thrive when they can choose from a variety of settings that flex with the rhythms of their day. Privacy is not one-size-fits-all; it ebbs and flows with shifting activities. Focused work demands acoustic stillness; video calls require shielding without disturbing neighbours; sensitive conversations need informational protection; while moments of respite call for visual calm.

Designing for these diverse needs requires layered solutions. Beyond enclosed pods and huddle rooms, open spaces can achieve surprising intimacy with high-back seating, acoustic panels, and cloaking technologies that obscure digital screens, creating a more intimate atmosphere. Strategic zoning, soundscaping, and territorial cues allow employees to claim control, even in shared environments.

Ultimately, privacy in the workplace is about more than walls – it’s about choice. By offering a spectrum of spaces, organisations can restore focus, nurture wellbeing, and create environments where both people and performance thrive.

Steelcase office furniture and privacy solutions are locally available from Inspiration Office, South Africa’s leading office furniture supplier and bespoke workplace solutions specialist. Founded in 2005, the company operates in Johannesburg and Cape Town, offering a remarkable selection of award-winning smart furniture and accessories from top international brands, perfect for streamlining your office and workday.