Vision shapes workstation choice: examining the relationship between visual distractions and employee desk preferences

Activity-based flex-offices (AFOs) allow employees to choose their desks according to task requirements. While previous studies have examined desk choice in AFOs, the role of visual distractions in shaping these preferences remains underexplored. This study investigates how visual distractions influence employees’ desk preferences and identifies spatial characteristics associated with preferred desks. Conducted in an AFO in Stockholm, Sweden, the study is based on 10 observation sessions, 14 semi-structured interviews, and spatial analyses using the Isovist_App, a visual analysis tool based on the volume of space visible from a point. The findings show that employees consistently prefer desks with lower visual distraction: corner desks were associated with broader visual access, desks away from aisles with reduced exposure to surrounding activity, and desks positioned with their backs to a wall with greater visual control. Overall, this study indicates that employees’ desk preferences in AFOs are associated with their need to minimise distractions.