As more workplaces move to the open office concept, some employers are voicing their displeasure with what they say is a series of constant distractions and increased noise levels that makes concentrating more difficult. Studies found that the perception of more camaraderie and opportunities for interaction can mask the loss of privacy that creep up during the workday. New Yorker writer Maria Konnikova dissected the research about workplace design and employee happiness and she shares details on what she found. Photo: A. Shaw