In the age of COVID-19 and Social Distancing, it’s hard to predict what our offices will look like when the crisis is over. The office design debate of the century will most likely be geared towards health and safety in the workplace. Where will that leave the less confining, airy open office feel of the 21st century? Will our beliefs from the end of 2019 win out over the trend towards open workspaces? Let’s revisit the pros and cons of each office configuration and consider future trends in this industry.
The Cubicle Office Design
Although they might be considered outdated by some, we may see a resurgence in the use of cubicles to designate workspace within an office setting. There are advantages and disadvantages of this configuration, which we will look at now.
Advantage – Designated Personal Space
Having a space to call your “own” is considered a significant benefit of working in a cubicle. You can establish a sense of ownership over the space, and many companies allow an employee to personalize their cubicle. Having your “stuff” in your work area is comforting to many employees. It can also help create healthy boundaries by defining a space that an employee can use to focus on their work.
Advantage – Defining Departments and Teams
Cubicles can give a company an easy way to designate space for a particular department, team, or even micro-team. They can gather employees together by grouping cubicles in such a way that they become recognized as members of a specific section of business, such as accounting, marketing, business development, and so on.
Advantage – Enhanced Sound Control
Noise pollution can be a problem in any work environment. The outdated system of the “office” with a door that closes is the best solution to noise pollution but just isn’t practical for other reasons in today’s work setting. A cubicle system will cut down on noise interference to a certain extent. It works considerably better than an open office configuration.
Disadvantage – Outdated Environment
When your workforce consists of millennial or Gen Z employees, they are liable to balk at working in a cubicle and will opt instead for an open-office environment if given a chance. Some people take the view that working in a cubicle is isolating and makes a person feel dehumanized.
Disadvantage – Require More Floor Space
A cubicle work environment requires more square footage to design and assemble. Companies may find that the open-office configuration makes the best use of space, and therefore may be considered more economical.
Disadvantage – Expansion and Contraction
When your office is fitted with a cubicle configuration, it’s hard to adjust when new hires start work, or during times of layoff or furlough. Neither situation is easy to deal with since employees will either be overcrowded or feel like they are working in a ghost town.
Open Office Design
Many people assume that the trend towards open office design is a new one. In fact, Frank Lloyd Wright was an early proponent of the open office in the 1930s and incorporated it into his designs. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of this popular choice.
Advantage – Easier Collaboration
When businesses, organizations, or teams require communication and collaboration throughout the day, the open office allows a freer way to exchange and share ideas across rank and role divisions that would be hindered by a cubicle or traditional office setting.
Advantage – Contemporary Trendy Feel
The open office structure provides a modern feel that attracts millennials and Gen Z workers to your company. The sprawling layouts tend to offer a lot of light, feeling airy and natural. They represent a comfortable place to work and have impromptu meetings.
Disadvantage – Germ Transmission
Germ transmission is a big deal in a post-COVID-19 world. It will be interesting to see if the popularity of open office configurations will continue to flourish in the new normal. We can expect to see a lot of reconsideration of this accessible office structure.
Disadvantage – Lack of Personal Space and Privacy
In the open office setting, it is difficult for managers to have sensitive conversations with team members. While some employees thrive in this free environment, you’re likely to have some that feel a bit disoriented, especially at first, as they strive to understand their work area.
Disadvantage – Noise Pollution
With no buffer to prevent you from hearing or being heard in discussion, many find this a bit unsettling. Others find that they can filter out the noise, but most tend to be less productive with this open office structure.
All in all, the office configuration you choose depends a lot on your business model. If you don’t take the time to consider these advantages and disadvantages before you decide what’s right for your company, you may regret the system you choose.
Ameripro Office Interiors is well versed in design, installation, and replacement of both office styles. When it comes time to create a new workspace or to redesign the one you have, contact us for guidance, quality, and service on which you can depend.
Ameripro owner, Megan Buck, comes from a strong business background. Her husband, Frank, has been a furniture installer for over thirty years. It only seemed natural to combine their talents and put together their own furniture installation company. 