The layout and design of office spaces have become increasingly vital to productivity, collaboration and employee well-being. Whether you're setting up a new office or revamping an existing one, understanding the fundamentals of office workstations and cubicles is essential.
Learn more about the key considerations for office planning with cubicles and workstations, from space optimization to ergonomic design, to help you create an environment that fosters efficiency, creativity and comfort for your team.
Office Cubicles & Workstations Help Integrate Collaboration and Focus Spaces
Cubicle walls provide employees with a designated work area for focused work and privacy, and they can coexist harmoniously with communal areas designed for collaboration and interaction. In fact, modern office designs often integrate both elements to cater to diverse work styles and preferences.
Shared spaces such as meeting rooms, breakout areas and collaborative zones play a vital role in fostering teamwork, brainstorming sessions and spontaneous interactions among colleagues. By strategically balancing cubicle-based workstations with open communal areas in the office layout, organizations can create a dynamic and flexible work environment that promotes both individual productivity and team collaboration. This approach acknowledges the importance of providing employees with a variety of spaces that cater to specific needs and different tasks and modes of working, ultimately enhancing overall workplace satisfaction and productivity.
6 Aspects to Consider When Planning Cubicles & Workstations
Thoughtful planning can help you determine what type of individual workspace solution is right for team members and your floor plan. Keep these 6 considerations in mind when you’re thinking about how to add personal workstations or cubicles to your office.
1. Office Layout and Available Space
When evaluating whether your office is conducive to cubicles or workstation setups, it’s important to consider your office layout and available space. There’s no one answer for what the right type of work area or office furniture configuration is the best setup. You’ll need to reflect on your company’s culture and values, employee needs and how you want work to be done at your organization to make the most informed decision.
Here are some examples of common options that may be right for your organization:
-
Open office layout and workstations – Open office concepts have their advantages: they save space, they make for a more fun, social environment and they present a more youthful look for the office. Offering employees designated workstations, whether that be in the form of benching systems or adaptable workstations, can help break up the space and also let employees know you’re prioritizing their needs for dedicated space for them to do individual work. Benching solutions can create a more collaborative environment while cutting down on distractions to a degree with a low partition. You can also add room partitions of varying sizes to your existing setup to provide privacy as needed – or even use a whiteboard partition to provide privacy and extra productivity.
-
Traditional cubicle setups – Cubicles offer several advantages in terms of storage, privacy and productivity. It can be challenging to maintain an open concept space if employees are on the phone with customers or collaborating on a project (unless you have sufficient conference room or shared office space). Plus, employees cite that they need at least some privacy to effectively do their jobs.
-
Bespoke office layout – When it comes to cubicles and workstations or balancing the demands of individual productivity and collaboration, it’s not an either/or choice. You can use stand-alone partitions and room dividers to provide more privacy and focus for your employees without committing to the space of cubicles. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and whatever you choose can be set up to reflect your company's culture and values.
2. Team size and usage
When deciding between cubicles and workstations, factors such as team size, workspace usage and the nature of work are crucial. Small teams and collaborative tasks benefit from open workstations that facilitate communication, while larger teams or those needing focus might require a mix of both for balance. For example, benching workstations can be a strong solution for smaller workspaces without major storage needs.
Privacy and noise levels also play a role – work involving sensitive information is better suited to cubicles, whereas open workstations fit well in quiet environments. The privacy and extra work surface that cubicles provide can be essential for law firms, accounting teams and sales departments.
Space efficiency and employee needs should be considered, along with health and safety guidelines and budget constraints. Ultimately, the choice should enhance productivity, support employee well-being and reflect the company culture.
Examine what you and your team need to do your jobs effectively — just a laptop, or much more? — and select your office workstation solution from there. How often employees are on the phone can be a factor, too: customer service or account managers may thrive better with a sound sensitive workstation solution like a partition or cubicle.
3. Customization
Is having a bespoke solution for your workspace a necessity? While any workstation can be tailored to your needs, cubicle solutions are typically ordered exactly to your specifications. If your workspace needs are unique or you’re longing for a workspace vibe that is unique to your brand and employee needs, you may want to consider working with a space planning and design expert to discuss custom cubicle solutions.
4. Power Needs
When planning to add office cubicles or workstations, it's essential to carefully consider the power needs to ensure a functional and efficient workspace. Each workstation typically requires multiple electrical outlets to accommodate computers, monitors, phones and other essential office equipment.
Proper cable management solutions should also be integrated to keep power cords organized and safe, minimizing tripping hazards and maintaining a tidy appearance. Incorporating modern power solutions such as USB charging ports and wireless charging stations can enhance convenience and productivity.
Furthermore, energy efficiency is crucial – using power strips with surge protectors and considering energy-saving devices can help reduce overall consumption and costs. Effective planning in this regard ensures a seamless and sustainable integration of new workstations into the office environment.
5. Timeline constraints
How lengthy will your audit of your workplace needs be? How much time do you have to install cubicles or office workstations? Room dividers and partitions can be done with ease, while benching workstations and cubicles (as well as call center cubicles and desks) may take more care and thought. Panel systems may be a good median solution.
6. Budget
From workstation features to panel and desking materials, there are many different elements to consider when finding the right system for your team and your budget. NBF has experienced experts ready to help you find your optimal approach. Start the conversation today.
Need Help? We Got You.
At NBF, we're here to help you create a space that empowers your team to achieve their best, whether through cubicles, office workstations or other workspace solutions. As a national commercial furniture and workspace solutions partner, we excel at making new ways of working a reality. Our expertise in guiding, planning and furnishing workspaces fuels more impactful workplaces. Learn more about each below:
-
Space planning – Maximize your space with expert interior design services that ensure compliance with code and accessibility standards, eliminating any guesswork.
-
Product selections – An expert's insight can guide you in selecting finishes and customizations for your project.
-
Design visualizations – Using the latest technology, we provide 2D bird’s-eye views and 3D color renderings to help you visualize your space with enhanced detail at every stage of the project.
Whether you're uncertain about where to start or know exactly what you need, our experts are here to assist. Just say the word, and we'll be eager to help you harness the full potential of your workspace.