Felson: Numerous studies actually show that open offices destroy productivity. They lead to more distractions, higher stress, and more sick days. While employees working in open offices may feel like part of a more laid-back, innovative enterprise, they actually suffer more interruptions, get less done, and have worse motivation. How can you design your next office to foster more productivity, yet be inviting to millennial employees? The answer is to offer mobile employees choices that match their tasks.

GlobeSt.com: What are some of the concepts that companies should adopt in place of an open concept?

Felson: To craft a new office everyone will be excited about. Some examples include a living room concept using comfortable furniture like a home or café. This gives employees a space where they can bring their laptops for an hour or two. Let them have a conversation without tying up a formal conference room or making noise close by other people's desks. Next, create phone booths with plenty of private rooms just big enough for one or two people to make a phone call. This will provide some privacy and minimize disruptions in open areas. Creating a library in an enclosed, quiet room with multiple desks where people can come to read, write, or think. Enforce one important rule here: No talking. Finally, have a home base. Every employee needs a workstation to call their own and store their belongings. Progressive firms have made work surfaces as small as 2 x 4 feet to allow for more collaborative spaces like phone booths and living rooms.