In many offices, walls and cubicles have become a thing of the past. Some might even say the modern workplace is starting to resemble a family room, complete with bean bag chairs and ping pong tables. Comfy chairs or not, open offices are becoming the new norm at many organizations.

In fact, a recent survey by the International Facility Management Association found that approximately 70 percent of U.S. businesses had an open workplace or an open-seating plan. But there can be issues when placing coworkers in close proximity.

For some, the added noise can increase stress levels and decrease productivity. An open layout also affects privacy. For instance, employees might overhear phone calls or office gossip once blocked by walls. That's why it's important that human resources staff equip employers and employees with some tips for making the most of open-space layouts.

1. Recommend the regular use of conference rooms. When organizations opt for a more collaborative office space, there are certain areas where walls should remain in place, including conference rooms. In situations where workers need the occasional quiet space, employees should feel comfortable booking a meeting room for themselves or their teams. In addition, those who need to make numerous work-related calls should consider using a conference room in order to reduce distractions and to keep conversations private.

When converting office space into a more open layout, those who work in close proximity should be urged to observe and respect the work styles of other team members.

2. Create a sense of privacy with furniture adjustments. Adding a table or plant to the office space may give workers a greater sense of privacy or help to reduce distractions. In other cases, shifting desks so that voices carry in opposite directions can reduce noise. However, actions speak louder than words, especially when it comes to seating arrangements. Therefore, before any changes are made to seating or furniture, communicate the plan to staff and include them in the decision-making process when possible.

3. Reassure employees that it's OK to take breaks. In a more collaborative office, employees may feel pressured to socialize with coworkers on their breaks. And this pressure can cause rising levels of anxiety and stress. However, HR staff can suggest a simple stress-reducing trick for employees: a short walk. A well-timed decompression break makes staff members more productive when they return to the office.

4. Encourage employees to respect boundaries. When converting to a more open layout, those who work in close proximity should be urged to observe and respect the work styles of other team members. For example, some employees prefer to begin their days with quiet time as they clear out their email inboxes or plan their schedules. Giving coworkers a little space may go a long way. The lunch hour can also become a source of tension as nearby employees might be bothered by certain food smells or sounds that aren't muffled by walls. HR managers might advise workers to be mindful of others and consider using a designated lunchroom, instead of eating at their desks.

5. Suggest employees wear headphones. Increasingly, employees are wearing headphones or other noise-canceling devices. Although some managers might dislike the practice, because they believe headphones should only be worn on personal time, they can increase employee focus and productivity. However, employees should avoid using them too often, so as not to isolate themselves or appear unfriendly to others. HR managers should also advise employees to keep the volume low to avoid missed calls or even safety notifications, like a fire alarm.

While the overall objective of an open office space is to increase collaboration and communication, some employees may find it challenging. To help with this, HR managers should advise employees to focus first on the small things that can be tweaked to make them more comfortable. Providing a set of tips or guidelines can also make for a happier and more productive staff.