What should you choose to split work areas: glass walls or PVC?
In open offices, it is very important to keep jobs apart. This is due to the health situation in 2022. Workers need to be kept away from each other. Things can change fast. So, glass partitions may not be needed as much. Smart companies are looking for movable ways to divide spaces. These can include glass walls and sliding doors, or thick PVC options. Let’s compare them based on three main points: energy use, how friendly they are to the environment, and how they change work output.
Energy efficiency
CLG glass partitions are clear. This means you don’t need to add extra lights in work areas. They let light go through, so even spots in the office without windows will be bright. If you use plastic ceilings that block light, people near the windows will also need more lights. This can raise both zoning costs and electricity bills.
Environmental friendliness
The use of polyvinyl chloride in setting up office spaces brings up concerns for the environment. If made according to rules, it doesn’t harm nature directly. However, building a vinyl divider wall needs more energy and may produce more emissions than making glass products with an aluminum frame. This can depend on the machines used and other factors. Still, glass doors are better for the environment since they last longer.
It is important to discuss the safety of both materials in an emergency. Using fire-safe glass with frames helps prevent dangerous fumes when heated. This also cuts down the chance of injury for people while leaving the danger area. But, with plastic walls, things are not the same. Not all plastic is safe for this. Fumes from melting PVC can make a fire worse and raise the number of victims in an office building.
Impact on productivity
Since we are looking at clear glass and solid plastic office walls, we should think about how both options impact work. Many believe being “watched” by others can make the work feel more stressful. But there is another view – in an open office without walls, people often work better. When walls are solid, workers may feel tempted to take breaks and get distracted. However, with clear walls, it can help keep people focused and eager to finish their tasks faster. Then, they can relax in a special area designed for breaks.
