About Office Cubicles

Cubicles are a type of office furniture typically found in large corporations, installed so the neighboring cubicle shares that one cubicle wall. These workstations effectively separate the work environment for individual employees, but still allow co-workers to talk and collaborate when necessary.

History

The cubicle was introduced to the public in the 1960s. The design was created by Robert Probst and developed and manufactured by Herman Miller, Inc., a company specializing in the production of office furniture. By the 1970s, the cubicle became a standard in office furniture and corporate interior design.

Description

This type of workstation consists of walls that measure anywhere from 5 to 7 feet in height. Cubicles generally have three full walls and one partial wall with an opening for entering and exiting the space. Inside the cubicle, employees have a desk and office chair. Some cubicles also have shelving, file cabinets or storage containers.

Advantages

Cubicles have a number of advantages in the work environment. They easily divide an open space into individual offices, saving business owners substantial amounts of money. They can also be moved into different configurations to customize a work area. Employees can personalize their area, and work efficiency is improved because of minimal distractions from other workers.

Disadvantages

While workers have more privacy within a cubicle, they are also able to work on non-business related tasks that may decrease productiveness. The isolation and utilitarianism of the cubicle may cause boredom and lead to feelings of unhappiness with the work environment.