Imagining the fourth wall allows performers to block out distractions from what they cannot control (the audience) while focusing on what they can (the scene). Addressing actors, 18th century French philosopher Denis Diderot wrote that performers should “imagine a huge wall across the front of the stage, separating you from the audience, and behave exactly as if the curtain had never risen.” He coined this concept the fourth wall. The Harvard Business Review notes that in an effort to protect personal privacy and focus, people often begin to block out their surroundings. On the contrary, morale and productivity tend to be lower when people feel as if they are constantly being monitored. Privacy also can provide the freedom for people to personalize their space, making them feel more comfortable, while also aiding in productivity.
When people feel trusted and empowered to have a private conversation or simply find “heads down” distraction-free working time, often they are more productive. Privacy also provides employees with a sense of autonomy. This is true for most industries, but especially true for finance, law and aerospace. Also, most people re-quire or desire a space to have confidential, in-person or phone/virtual discussions at some point during their workday. As humans, we need places where we feel safe and effective, particularly for those of us with more introverted personalities. On-demand privacy has become a necessity, and arguably even a right, in workplace environments. Emotional safety for many is often achieved through privacy. So why does privacy matter, and how can it be successfully incorporated into the open office?Īccording to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, safety is a basic human need for all people. It also helps balance real estate equations and offset costs through efficiency. The open office setting likely will never go away because it inherently fosters the engagement, interaction and collaboration that make up a company culture. Privacy traditionally has been perceived as a luxury with-in an open office setting now it has become essential both emotionally and physically.
Privacy within the workplace always has been important, but it has taken on new meaning over the last several months, as COVID-19 has thrust us into a new way of life.
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