3 Pros and Cons of Glass Walls in Offices

The proverbial glass ceiling could be after all a real idea of improving the outlook of our buildings. There are structures now that have complete glass ceilings with swimming pools on top that you can see the water from below. There are just a few of such outrageous designs around the world, but they look cool and beautiful. What is common now, and quickly replacing stone and cardboard walls are glass walls. Top commercial contractors have specialized in the art of constructing and designing such office spaces and highly recommend most offices to follow suit. But these designs come with their pros and cons. Here are some of them.

Pros

Get More Natural Light

Unlike stone and wooden walls, glass walls bring in natural light. Traditionally, people have relied on windows, but often, windows are insufficient especially on gloomy days. Glass walls will bring in natural light even at night when the moon is shining. Natural light according to research enhances human production by boosting morale and creativity. Artificial light is somehow limiting since it casts a dull mood, especially in confined offices.

Save on Energy

With glass walls, you will use less of electricity since you will have an abundance of natural light. Some offices are extremely big that if you were to keep the lights on throughout the day, you would have to pay huge electricity bills.

Enhanced Transparency

Glass walls ensure that everyone from the bosses to subordinates can see each other. The superiors can clearly see and supervise everyone without having to leave their desks. There is more discipline in the work area since no one, not even the superiors can misbehave or engage in other none work related activities.

Cons

Reduced Privacy

Much as these glasses bring about enhanced transparency and allow easy supervision, they also reduce human privacy. Humans are not machines in a cog to be constantly monitored. Some might lose the motivation to work if they are denied their privacy as some think best alone. It is important, therefore, to have a balance between privacy and supervision. Constant supervision does not always mean improved production. There is more to motivation and increased productivity.

More distractions

Some people are not able to concentrate when there are so many distractions. Glass walls coupled with glass windows bring about a lot of distractions. People in offices will get attracted to developments in and outside their offices and waste more time on those developments rather than focusing on their work. You will find people looking outside their windows whenever there is any kind of activity outside their offices.

A feeling of Being on Display

Since every person can see any other person, some people may feel as if they are on display. This feeling does not augur well with some people, as they feel as products rather than people with feelings. The aspect of being constantly checked, that you cannot take some time off to do your own things is demeaning. There should be at least some privacy.