The problem for some people is the open layout inhibits collaboration. Nobody wants to start talking because it disturbs others. Whereas if you could just walk into someone's office and close the door you'd feel free to yak away.
That's never stopped anyone in my office. The place is full of constant interruptions that an open office layout facilitates.
We each have privacy (and our own seating), but the collaboration is always available and not overwhelming.
I dig it a lot more than the cube I had at my old job.
Now I work in industry with a fully open office and yeah, it's a nightmare.
For long discussions that's when you book a meeting room.
There's not a ton of research on this. But what's out there[1] suggests that open office spaces actually decrease collaboration.
[1] https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/full/10.1098/rstb.201...