Here’s a list of tips you and your colleagues can use to help reduce the negative impact of open-plan office arrangements.

1. Be quiet. Try and keep the noise level to the minimum. Avoid using the speaker phone if it’s not necessary. Avoid using noisy gadgets. Befriend a set of headphones to listen to videos and podcasts. Find an enclosed space for short personal phone calls if you must make them.

2. Control your phones. The constant ringing of your cell phone while there’s also someone on your direct line can be distracting to your colleagues. Turn down the volume and try to answer the phone within three rings. Avoid fancy ringtones.

3. Keep your desk clean. No need to expand on this one!

4. More than one is a crowd. If someone has to discuss work issues with you while standing at your desk, and it’s taking over 5 minutes, suggest moving to a meeting area so that colleagues are not distracted.

5. Respect neighbours. Don’t just walk through your colleagues’ workspace, instead use the hallways and other “public” spaces.

6. Minimize distractions.

7. Opt for quiet office equipment. Copy machines, printers and scanners generate a lot of noise but this can be kept to a minimum by updating the equipment .