Any developer that steps foot into an office building will have an opinion about cubicles. Some love the idea of partitioned spaces while others prefer open space work environments. If you’re toying with the idea of introducing cubicles in your building, you’ve got the right idea. In addition to making the most of each cubic foot of space, cubes offer just enough privacy for your employees to thrive and just enough openness to promote productivity.
Reasons Why People Hate Cubicles
Cubes get a bad rap. Hollywood has done its part to demonize the cubicle. Some of the reasons why office managers and company owners don’t like cubes include the following beliefs:
- Cubicles are not creative.
- Cubicles are bland.
- Cubicles make employees feel bad about themselves and the work they do.
- Cubicles do not promote interaction.
- Cubicles are like a maze for rats.
One of the most famous comic characters of all time, Dilbert, is very open about how much he loathes cubicles. Pop culture has sensationalized the downsides of working in partitioned workspaces for years. Companies like Google and DreamWorks, however, have changed the public’s opinion with their creative and visually appealing workspaces.
Reasons Why Employers Love Cubicles
There are a number of compelling reasons why employers love cubicles. First and foremost, they save space. Cubicles make it possible to house multiple employees in a single space without altering the layout of the building. No additions or renovations have to be made. Next, cubicles save money. Employees do not have to travel halfway across town to meet with one another. They can mosey over to a work colleague’s cube and have a meeting. Or, better yet, they can use the boardroom for collaboration sessions. Last but not least, cubicles promote productivity. Employers can see what their employees are doing because cubes are not completely enclosed. Productivity can be monitored heavily by simply doing a walk-through of an office from time to time. Some additional advantages to having cubicles in an office setting include:
- More Personal Space for Employees
- More Space for Shelving and Manuals
- Wall Space for Diagrams and Other Reference Materials
- It’s Easier to Concentrate in a Cube
- There’s Less Noise and Things to Distract Workers
Tips for Making a Cubicle Your Home Away from Home
The less sterile a cubicle looks, the better. That’s why you should encourage your employees to bring items from home to the workplace and decorate their office space. Some things that add personality to cubicle settings include:
- Colorful Rugs
- Unique Lamps
- Photos of Family Members, Favorite Vacations Spots, and Pets Fun Office Supplies like Staplers, Paper Clip Holders, and Pens
- A Zen Garden
- Aromatherapy Scents
- Houseplants
- A Radio
- Cool Coasters
- A Refillable Water Bottle
You can let your employees know which items are permitted through a company memo. If you have no problem with your workers having a small fish bowl or herb garden on their desk, let them know in a written statement. If it helps them work better, what harm is it?