For years, the office was designed around a single assumption: everyone has their own desk and performs all tasks there. Today, this model is no longer sufficient, as during a single day, an employee transitions between deep-focus work, online meetings, team discussions, and brief rest. Zoning is the answer to this variability.

Focus zone

This is a place for work requiring silence and zero interruptions. It should be located away from high-traffic corridors and discussion areas, equipped with noise-reducing solutions, and free from elements that attract movement. In practice, desk dividers work well here, along with a clear, mutually agreed rule that phone calls are not to be made in this zone.

Collaboration zone

This includes spaces for joint work on tasks, ranging from workbenches to smaller rooms. The key elements here are technical equipment—such as access to power, a screen, and comfortable seating—as well as acoustics that allow people to talk without raising their voices. The collaboration zone should neighbor the focus zone but be clearly separated from it.

Meeting and call zone

A separate category is spaces for phone calls and online meetings. Their absence is one of the most common pain points of open-plan offices, as conversations conducted at a desk disturb everyone around. Even just a few small, well-soundproofed areas can transform the perception of the entire space.

Regeneration zone

A place to step away from the screen is just as important as a workspace. It should look and sound different from the rest of the office, which is why different materials, warmer lighting, and more comfortable seating are used here. Positioning it close to the entrance or the kitchen ensures that movement associated with relaxation does not cross quiet zones.

What proportions make sense

There is no single universal division, as everything depends on the nature of the work. The starting point is to calculate how much time the team spends on individual types of tasks, and then translate that into floor area. It is worth starting cautiously and adjusting the proportions after a few months of use, rather than designing a rigid division right from the start.

Summary

Zoning organizes the office according to noise levels and task types. The most important aspects are separating focused work from conversations, providing spaces for online meetings, and clearly setting apart the regeneration zone. Proportions are best determined based on real working patterns rather than assumptions.