Comments on: Why Programmers Need Privacy http://www.programmersparadox.com/2008/08/04/why-programmers-need-privacy/ Long form thoughts from a Software Engineer Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:42:07 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Mark http://www.programmersparadox.com/2008/08/04/why-programmers-need-privacy/comment-page-1/#comment-1695 Mark Tue, 05 Aug 2008 17:51:57 +0000 http://www.programmersparadox.com/?p=179#comment-1695 I do agree that distractions can be advantageous, maybe they even provide the inspiration that allows you to make a great breakthrough. This is the whole point of an open work space. But how many distractions contribute to your work? At some point, the distractions are so great that they detract more than they help. So at the very least, a balance has to be maintained where you have a private space and a public space. While stepping outside works for some people, I think in general it's a better idea to have a place that someone can escape for hours on end if need be, more like a private office or conference room. Employers need to take into account that everyone is different and then provide an environment that accommodates all the different types, hence my belief that an open space with private spaces off it is the best option. I do agree that distractions can be advantageous, maybe they even provide the inspiration that allows you to make a great breakthrough. This is the whole point of an open work space. But how many distractions contribute to your work? At some point, the distractions are so great that they detract more than they help. So at the very least, a balance has to be maintained where you have a private space and a public space.

While stepping outside works for some people, I think in general it’s a better idea to have a place that someone can escape for hours on end if need be, more like a private office or conference room. Employers need to take into account that everyone is different and then provide an environment that accommodates all the different types, hence my belief that an open space with private spaces off it is the best option.

]]> By: Luke Hoersten http://www.programmersparadox.com/2008/08/04/why-programmers-need-privacy/comment-page-1/#comment-1694 Luke Hoersten Tue, 05 Aug 2008 16:32:32 +0000 http://www.programmersparadox.com/?p=179#comment-1694 Working in an open environment, I feel that the context switches and "distractions" actually speed up work. Similar to the saying "sleep on it," it's also fairly obvious that a little rest and distraction for our brains can increase ideas and productivity. When I worked in a cube, I just felt sleepy all the time. Working in the open is the ONLY way I ever want to work. If I need some alone time to think, I step outside for a few. Great article btw. Working in an open environment, I feel that the context switches and “distractions” actually speed up work. Similar to the saying “sleep on it,” it’s also fairly obvious that a little rest and distraction for our brains can increase ideas and productivity. When I worked in a cube, I just felt sleepy all the time. Working in the open is the ONLY way I ever want to work. If I need some alone time to think, I step outside for a few. Great article btw.

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