jmking's comments

That's what I mean about etiquette. The headphones aren't an excuse to be loud.

Good quality headphones also mean that your neighbour's shitty music isn't leaking noise into the workspace.

I have mixed feelings about open concept floor plans. I think they can work - especially if the office is organized such that the work area is separate from areas that could be loud.

People who visit our offices are often surprised at how quiet the engineering floor is. There might be the odd conversation, but the tone is kept low, and everyone is issued a pair of noise cancelling headphones.

People generally respect the headphone rule and will ping you on Slack instead of shoulder tapping.

Basically open concept floor plans can work as long as everyone respects the etiquette that makes it work.