Identity in an open plan office

The view from where I sit

Quartz is moving to a new office in New York. We’re documenting it here because many of our questions apply to other startups. Our introduction explains more about what we’re up to. Follow our publication for updates.

Not too long ago, physical objects were a primary communicator of the things we wanted people to know about ourselves. These things were most thoughtfully considered in the places we lived and worked. In the office, desk and wall space was used to inform colleagues that we have been to Paris, have cute nieces, or enjoy manga. The objects were meant to be comforts, and to spark conversation with fellow Donnie Darko enthusiasts.

The minimalist office wave arrived around the same time as our ability to easily share our locations, loved ones, and likes with those in our lives in a more proof-positive format. Your single photo tacked up in your cube could now be a digital feed, your musical tastes subscribed to.

My seating assignments in our second office, at 233 Park Avenue South.

It’s said that the open plan office, with its Levittown-like rows of identical spaces, promotes collaboration over personalization — that the sameness of our desks breaks down boundaries and creates new opportunities. Without attachment, our location is fluid.

Some companies have formalized temporary seating for employees through “hoteling” or “hot-desking” policies, which encourage staff to select their spots as they arrive each day. Hot deskers have told me this arrangement leads to discussions and relationships that wouldn’t otherwise happen, as well as light teasing of the late arrivers who are left with little choice.

My seating assignments in our first office, at 73 Spring Street.

Quartz’s open plan space comes with seat assignments, though relocation happens regularly. Mostly driven by our growth, these changes have found me sharing elbow room and close-range eye contact with more than a dozen colleagues in my 43 months with Quartz. Only some of these seatmates have been on my team. No matter how long the stint, I always come away with an understanding of what books, hobbies, and experiences matter to my coworkers — not through desk flair, but through conversation.

Our new office brings my seventh seat assignment. Although I won’t be displaying framed pictures of my new baby, the colleagues sitting across the desk from me will see the love in the bags under my eyes.