Whether you are a new startup or just moving to a new building it can be a challenge to look out at all that open space and decide what to do with it. The main question at hand will be how to divide the space. You can choose office cubicles or an open workspace. What you decide will ultimately depend on your work culture.
The History of Office Cubicles
In 1960 Herman Miller created a study to examine furniture in the workplace. The study employed behaviorists, mathematicians, and anthropologists. He wanted to know how people worked, how information traveled, and how the layout of the office affected performance. At the time, the common trend for office workspace was an open plan with rows of uniform desks offering no privacy. The study showed that this layout actually interrupted the flow of communication. Robert Propst, who ran the study, found that employees were also suffering from sitting from long periods of time.
Herman Miller designed office furniture to combat these problems. However, the assembly was difficult and employees struggled to construct the workspaces. They then created what we know as office cubicles to maximize the efficiency of small areas.
Maximize Efficiency in the Workplace
Multiple other studies have been conducted throughout the years to find the optimal work environment. “Cube farms” are often noted in a bad light in multiple comic strips depicting life in the workplace. However, there are benefits to be found in both open workspaces and rooms divided by office cubicles. It is actual quite possible to increase productivity and foster open communication by changing the layout of the office.
Office cubicles are great for creating privacy for employees. There are also options that offer segregated space with an open feel. An open space can foster more communication and collaboration. Giving employees the option to sit, stand, and walk around will also create a more relaxed workspace that can lead to higher workplace contentment.
Your Company Culture
When it comes to choosing cubicles or opting for an open workspace, you want to access your corporate culture. Do your employees require a lot of dedicated focus? Do you need a constant abundance of new ideas? Knowing what your employees need will help you decide between the two options.
Contact Kim Gregory Today
The great part about working with Kim Gregory of Indoff Commercial Interiors is the fact that she will help you decide which is best for your company. You can communicate your vision and ideas and she will help those thoughts materialize. She will get you from a drawn sheet of paper to cubicles and office furniture delivered and assembled. Give her a call today to find out more.