I realize some people could not handle the claustrophobia, but for those that can this seems like an easy win to minimize footprints while isolating those who are bothered by the distractions of others.
Peopleware also covers the subject of the working space quite well.
People in charge just don't want to listen. You spend millions of dollars paying the people and after that you cheap out on office space. But hey, the people responsible for the office can point at how they saved money and it's also really hard to measure the productivity loss so it must not mater.
Enter Rona: Hold my beer!
Looks actually kind of roomy in that gif
edit: here's a video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jr3eIAIFyo8
open offices never have coat racks. I've been told it's because they don't like they look nice. In one office I worked in people just threw their jackets on the floor, especially when it was rainy out and they couldn't be kept on the back of a chair.
It’s really worth watching the film (that one scene is worth it on its own) but you can get a glimpse of the seating arrangement and the manager after “We is stressed” in the trailer:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fkHrQ30oT9o
I see now that there are plexiglass dividers between the desks. Terry Gilliam is a visionary.
The other advantage would be able to go "BLAAHH!" every time the manager interrupted your flow.
I've been running my bathroom exhaust fan while WFHing these days and it's been getting rid of all kinds of smells and vapors in my apartment without me opening the windows.
You just have to remember that you're not confined to that space. So you close that door and you crash out what you need to do. Then you stand up, and you go for a walk outside that space to relieve the cramped feeling.
What also helps is to also have a Window that looks out into something green. If I'm sick of looking at my screen and need to think, I get to look out and watch dogs play at a daycare which is immensely relieving.
I am willing to put up with so much more shit having this peaceful environment, I feel like it is win win for my company+clients, and myself.