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Working in an open-plan office is bad for the brain and constant noise and lack of privacy disrupted brain activity and impaired concentration, a study shows。 Open plan offices were introduced in the 1950s to improve communication between colleagues. But scientists now claim they may be doing more harm than good。 The findings were revealed in The Secret Life of Buildings, a Channel 4 show which aired last night。 In the programme, presenter Tom Dyckhoff wore a cap which measured brainwaves while he attempted to work in a busy office. The results revealed that intense bursts of interruption 。 Dr. Jack Lewis, a neuroscientist who carried out the test, said: "If you are just getting into some work and a phone goes off in the back ground it ruins what you are concentrating on. Even though you are not aware at the time, the brain responds to distractions." The show also found that workers who were not allowed to add personal touches to desks and walls were less productive。 Dr Craig Knight, a psychologist at Exeter University, said: "If employees have been allowed to enrich the space themselves with their own things it can increase their wellbeing by 32 percent and their productivity by 15 percent." He explained:"It is because they are able to engage with their surroundings, feel more comfortable and so concentrate." Last year, University College London surveyed 20,000 UK professionals about their happiness with their office environment。 | 
