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An open concept office may work for some, but new studies show that a large portion of office workers still need their privacy on the job. 43% of employed Americans state that not having a private area to work would negatively affect his or her mental wellness at the office. Additionally, one in four survey respondents find value in flexible work environments so that they may work away from their regular work areas when needed. What can you do to add more private spaces to your office while maintaining a space that also fosters collaboration? These tips should help.

 

Incorporate Cubicles

From semi-private cubicles to cubes will full height walls, there are plenty of options to choose from. If you’re looking for help with buying cubicles, we recommend you measure your office, determine your budget and give NBF a call. Our space planning and outside sales teams bring years of office installation knowledge to the table and can make the cubicle buying process a breeze. Learn more about our extensive panel system design services by visiting our cubicle page.

 
how to incorporate privacy into the office

Divide it Up

You don’t need to drastically switch up the design of your workspaces to give employees a little privacy. Mobile room dividers can transform open offices into private, functional workspaces. The lightweight design of these panels makes them a breeze to push and pull into any position, so you can really take them anywhere. Add a panel between workstations, in your office lobby or even in the conference room for instant separation.

 
how to incorporate privacy into the office

Block Out Foot Traffic

Common areas can be great spaces for taking phone calls and getting work done in a casual setting. However, focused work can be a challenge in these spaces due to the ever-present foot traffic generated in waiting rooms, conference spaces and breakrooms. The solution? Opting for guest seating with walls such as the Traffic booths will provide just enough sound-dampening and visual privacy to allow for focused work. Built-in charging ports also make it easy for employees to stay connected while they work with their laptop, tablet or other mobile device. 

 
how to incorporate privacy into the office

From cubicles to waiting room booths, the options are endless when it comes to bringing privacy into your office. Learn more about how the physical workspace affects the mental workspace by reading our full research study with Kelton Global.

Design & Innovation
Private Offices & Workstations

More From NBF

5 Things to Consider When Outfitting Your Office with Cubicles

Looking for office cubicles? Whether you need a few workstations or to furnish an entire building, calculating what type of panel systems will fit into the area can be tricky. Fortunately, National Business Furniture offers complimentary space planning services to make your work easy. Before calling your NBF account executive, gather the following information.

1. Install Space

Although selecting workstations that fit into your office may seem easy enough, you should consider several factors when determining which panel or benching system to order, including add-ons and footprint creep. Before you call for design services, measure the entire space you intend to outfit with new workstations. Write the measurements down and obtain CAD files if possible. Providing CAD files or room measurements will allow your NBF professional space planner to accurately determine which workstations are needed and how they should be configured in your office, taking into account factors that you may not have considered.

2. Team Size and Usage

Whether you're outfitting a space for a few employees in a small office or dozens in a large open area, selecting the best desking system requires considering the everyday needs of your people. Do your employees thrive on team-based collaboration, or do they need peace and privacy to get the job done? Does your team require a lot of filing and storage space, or will simple work surfaces do just fine? Be prepared to share your team size and usage expectations on your call so that your NBF account executive can accurately determine the most efficient use of your office space.

3. Style and Colors

Whether you want to evoke a certain emotion in the workplace or stay on-brand, NBF offers hundreds of color combinations in every style you could want. Consider your style and color combination needs ahead of time to ensure a seamless and timely panel selection process that won't slow down your timeline expectations.

4. Timeline Constraints

Speaking of timelines—sooner is usually better. Whether your timeline is flexible or you need your workstations ASAP, communicate it with your NBF account executive as early as possible. They can ensure your expectations are realistic and your project can be completed when needed.

5. Budgetary Needs

Everyone deserves a beautiful office, no matter the budget. Be sure to work out your budgetary constraints before you call so that your NBF account executive can determine what furniture will be possible for your business. We'll gladly work hard to stay within your means.

 

How to Buy Cubicles & Panel Systems

Cubicles are hard to buy. A desk is a desk, and a chair is a chair, but panel systems come in a vast range of sizes, styles, and configurations. How are you supposed to know how many panels you need to make a 6x6 cube? Why should you have to consider every possible accessory and wire management option available? That's what NBF account executives and design services are for, so don't sweat it—we've got you covered.

Before You Call

Before you call your NBF cubicle expert, gather the following information and write it down. 

1. Determine Your Install Space. Your NBF account executive will need to know the exact overall measurements of the space you're looking to outfit. This will allow us to correctly determine how many cubes of what size you can comfortably fit within the area. 

2. Consider Your Team Size and Usage. Not only will your account executive need to know how much space you have to work with, but he or she will also need to account for how many employees will be using the space. For example, if you need to fit 6 employees in a given space, they may each be able to have large workstations; however, if you need to fit 10 people in that same amount of space, the size of each workstation may be smaller. Usage will also help your account executive determine how open or closed concept the cubes should be.

3. Select Your Styles and Colors. A good first impression is everything, and we want to help you make one! Get a good idea of what you want your new workstations to look like before you call so that your account executive can best support your wants and needs.

 

4. Set a Timeline. Short or long, your timeline is valuable. Determine exactly when you want your new cubicle installation to be completed so your account executive can adequately time when the order must be placed for it to meet your needs.

5. Work Out Your Budget. Your account executive won't be able to begin the process of finding the perfect workstations until he or she knows your budget constraints. Talk with your team ahead of time and determine the amount you have to work with so that you're prepared to discuss affordable options with your designer.

Let Us Handle the Work

Now that you have all the information you need upfront, you're ready to call National Business Furniture for a quote and complimentary space plan. To get started, call us at (866) 422-5873, and we'll pair you up with an account executive in your area or with one of our in-house project managers. Our team of account executives is scattered across the country to provide in-person assistance to customers in nearly every state. With years of experience in space planning and industry expert knowledge of the best commercial furniture options, an NBF account executive is the best possible tool for outfitting your workspace with the furniture you want at the price and in the timeline you need. Check out our space planning page to learn more about our free design services.

 

Sit Back and Enjoy

The size and customization of your order will determine how long it takes for your new cubicles to be shipped, delivered, and installed. Fortunately for you, we'll take care of it all. Once you have a dedicated NBF account executive handling your project, we'll be in constant communication with the status of your order.

 

How to Clean Your Cubicle

The cubicle is your home away from home. But do you clean it like you do your home? If you don't, you're not alone. After all, who can be expected to make the time to clean their workspace when office hours are spent on job duties? 

Whether you've just realized how dirty your desk looks or you’re a neat freak by nature, incorporating these simple tips into your office routine will help keep you happier and healthier at work.

Daily Cubicle Cleaning

1. Unclutter. Freeing your workspace of unnecessary clutter will immediately minimize visual distractions and make it look cleaner. Eliminate any paperwork, office supplies, and personal items that are not needed regularly. Doing this once per day, either at the start of your morning or before you leave for home in the evening, will keep your space looking nice and clean. You'd be amazed at what difference a quick tidy-up can make! 

2. Wipe down. You don't need to scrub your whole cube to make an impact. Do a quick wipe down of the items you use most frequently to prevent the spread of germs and keep things looking their best. Commonly used workspace items may include your desk phone, mouse, keyboard, and certain office supplies. These items can all be cleaned with a simple disinfectant wipe or damp microfiber cloth.

3. Clean up food and drink. From your coffee mug to that plate you used for your morning doughnut, you should clean anything used to eat or drink daily—no exceptions.

Weekly Cubicle Cleaning

1. Disinfect your work surface. Begin or end each week by wiping down your entire desk. Friday afternoon or Monday morning are great times to perform this task. The top of your desk is a high-traffic area that can quickly become a breeding ground for germs if not properly maintained. Be sure to read our complete guide to desk cleaning for details on cleaning specific types of furniture.

2. Deep clean frequently used desk items. Although you should wipe down commonly used items such as your desk phone and keyboard daily, you should take it a step further once per week. Get out your canned air, disinfectant spray, paper towels, and Q-tips to get between keys, in cracks, and everywhere else a simple wipe-down may not cover.

Monthly Cubicle Cleaning

1. Organize. Whether you use a lot of paper filing space or your desk hutch needs some help, take time once a month to reorganize. Tasks like arranging paperwork in your file cabinet by date, sorting out your junk drawer, and alphabetizing your bookcase can greatly impact how you use your cubicle. You will find items are easier to find and cause less stress when you keep them properly organized.

2. Clean those screens. Although you may not touch your computer monitors often, they are right in the way of every cough and sneeze that comes out of your mouth. Plus, they get dusty pretty quick too. Wipe them down with a microfiber cloth once a month to keep them looking like new.

Yearly Cubicle Cleaning

1. Clean cubicle walls. Because most cubicle walls are made of a tactile material like fabric, they must be deep cleaned at least once each year. Standard cleaning protocol for cube walls involves vacuuming, removing stains, and scrubbing with a mixture of mild detergent and water. If that all sounds like a bit much for you to handle on your own, fear not. Ask your office manager how often cubicle walls are cleaned and express your concern if the answer is less than once a year. Requesting the cleaning of cubicles should be within the realm of reason for the business. Remember to help wherever you can by removing any artwork or notes hanging from your cubicle walls before cleaning.

2. Tidy up computer cords. Do a quick sweep under your desk and remove any dust bunnies residing between computer cords with a microfiber cloth. Getting this done yearly will help keep the space nice and clean.

3. Wipe down the insides of drawers and storage units. Once a year, take all your office supplies and papers out of your storage units and filing cabinets, grab some disinfectant spray and paper towels, and wipe down the insides. You'll be amazed by how much debris builds up in there.

 

4. Don't forget your office chair. You sit in your computer chair every single day. Is it overdue for a cleaning? Read our complete guide to office chair cleaning to learn more about effectively removing crumbs and stains, depending on what type of chair you sit in.

 

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Nicole Groshek

Nicole Groshek is the social media and content coordinator for National Business Furniture. She helps employees discover the true joy in loving what they do, from working in an inspiring office to having a little fun on the job.