Office cubicles have been around since the late 1960s, and continue to grace a significant chunk of the world’s workspaces. Intended to bridge the gap between enclosed private offices and open-plan designs, the cubicle’s creator – Herman Miller designer Robert Probst – set out to revolutionise the workplace.
His design attempted to blend the productivity of a private office with the collaborative benefits of an open-plan one, allowing workers to focus better on the task at hand while encouraging them to converse with their fellow employees.
The problem is, like all things office planning-related, the cubicle is not a panacea: though it has benefits, it has to be used in moderation – and cubicle layouts have to be carefully thought out.
The penalty for failing to do so? Most likely an unhappy workforce, which is never good for business. So, how should you plan your office cubicles to ensure they breathe life into your team, not suck it out of them?
Aesthetics Matter
Though the cheapest and lowest-effort option is to go for an assortment of dull grey dividers, it’s not the way to go if employee wellbeing is high on your agenda. A sea of bleak, felt-covered cubicles certainly won’t inspire your staff. Instead, you can opt for some more modern and aesthetically pleasing designs which match your company colours.
Best of Both Worlds
Remember that cubicles aren’t just there to encourage your team to focus, but to promote collaboration and interaction. It’s important to bear this in mind when you’re positioning cubicles – you don’t want to go overboard and stamp out any potential idea sharing which could help your business in the long run.
Teams Together
It’s best to keep employees doing similar jobs together. Not only will this aid privacy, it’ll make it easier for your individual teams to collaborate and work more closely together.
Consult an Expert
If you’re serious about your workspace and want a helping hand to deliver an office which is equal parts function and form, look no further than Plann:d. Explore some of our previous projects today or contact us for more information.
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