For me, cubicles and wide open spaces are productivity destroyers. Some people I've worked with can tune out the phones ringing, people talking, the combined hum of workstations, printers and personal air fans, etc.. Others, like myself find it all distracting, preventing concentration.

Where I work at this time, the noise level is so distracting, I have purchased a noise canceling headset so I can concentrate. It definitely helps.

Private offices do not stop employees from interacting or letting off steam (but company policy, along with the management style certainly will). I congratulate whomever at Microsoft for making the decision that their employees needed, deserved even, private offices.

Regards,

Terry