The New Take on the Office Cubicle

The New Take on the Office Cubicle

The current environment has forced our office space evolution into a new, and more thoughtful, arena. We’ve come to realize the benefits of collaboration but are keenly aware of how personal space for both privacy and well-being is an important mainstay. Enter the new take on the office cubicle and configuration to afford personal privacy, improve space use efficiency and inherent social distancing.

According to a survey done by Bureauone, today’s offices are a mix of 28% cubicles and 21% private offices.“The survey found that over 77% of American workers are currently happy with the way their office is set up.” Tellingly, “Workers in private offices reported the highest levels of happiness with workers in cubicles reporting the lowest levels of happiness.” Modern Office Trends for 2020.

Among the top complaints by workers on work spaces include:

• Noise,
• Lack of privacy,
• Distractions,
• Lack of energy and
• Isolation

With this we easily see the drivers in how we can better an office space. The key is to look at functionality, productivity and wellness in that ideal office configuration. Do you need open desking with privacy panels, modified half-walls to define space or simply well placed “wall-less cubicles” to allow for optimal workplace collaboration?

An example of the wall-less scenario is in our project with Crosby Law. Their style of work is strictly collaborative with team members needing personal spaces balanced with full transparency in office plan. See more in this month’s Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s Cool Office feature on the Crosby Law Offices.

The Original Cubicle – Action Office History

Interestingly, the history of the cubicle is a far cry from what we all imagine when we think “office cubicle”.  When Robert “Propst designed the Action Office system, so-called “cubicle farms” were not his intent. Propst’s own research into developing the action office philosophically was against the cubicle in many ways. The Action Office system was designed to promote productivity, privacy, and health (they attempted to increase blood flow) at the expense of some inefficient use of space. Cubicles are now typically designed to maximize efficient use of space.” Wikipedia.

For a quick historical perspective on that, check out the video below.

PUREALCHEMY DESIGN is an award-winning expert in the realm of Commercial Space Design.

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