Office cubicles get a bad rep. They are often the target of commentary or jokes regarding office work uniformity or tedium, but the truth is —since their emergence into the workspace in the mid-1960’s— cubicles have proven to be a rather effective way to organize workspaces. Modern day has given us some new ideas about how to better modernize and maximize this office furniture; there is no shortage of creativity when it comes to using the office cubicles in enhancing work output. Here at Indoff, we know that so much lies in the organization and the configuration of the furniture and why we are in the business of improving workspace layouts and environments.
When they first emerged on the scene, it was known as “Action Office” and the design of the office cubicles was the product of a lot of back and forth discussion regarding ways to improve the productivity of the worker. The design was predicated upon the idea that employees are more productive when they can personalize a space and have a sense of privacy while not being completely disconnected from the other people in the office.
Creative Advantages
The modern workstations can take many forms. The cubicle has changed since the early versions, but it has kept its most effective features.
- Personalization: The space of the cubicle allows for some personalization of the space with photographs, trinkets, books, or other personal items. Workers can decorate without affecting the space of others and still make their workstation feel like their own.
- Functional: While there is something to be said about an open workspace, there is undeniable functionality to an office cubicle. They can be arranged in a variety of ways that enhance the worker’s particular purpose. This might be installing desks, placing printers nearby, adding screens, etc.
- Privacy: This type of office space arrangement also promote a sense of privacy. In this way, employees can have some control over the disruptions that happen around them. In a completely open work setting, this can become an issue and hinder productivity levels.
- Encourages teamwork: In the same way that this office set up provides some personal space, it also allows for collaboration, as there is usually easy access to nearby employees. This encourages face to face communication around the office.
The Modern Workstation
Modern office cubicles also offer more options than the traditional ‘cube’ shape. The modern stations can be arranged in a variety of ways with different options on height, material, desk space, and configuration. The modern workstation is a great way to optimize space while providing each worker with their own demarcated work borders. This gives you a great amount of freedom when arranging workers in the best possible arrangements to fit their needs.
Enhance Your Office with Indoff
Indoff Commercial Interiors can help turn your office into a hub of human potential, creativity, and energy. Despite the cubicle’s misrepresentation, the reality is that fifty years later it is still being used as an effective way to organize today’s modern workspaces. Today’s office layouts are being defined and redefined by the concepts that first gave rise to the cubicle in the first place. The modern workplace offers variations and modifications that can suit your employee’s particular needs. Give us a call today!