Remember the days when cubicles were synonymous with bland, gray partitions, fluorescent lighting, and a sense of isolation? Most of us have seen the movie, “Office Space” or read a Dilbert cartoon and it’s time to rethink those outdated stereotypes. Cubicles are making a comeback, and they’ve undergone a modern transformation that defies expectations. These aren’t the same dreaded three walls that had your old man rushing home for a beer. Let’s revisit just how far we’ve come…
The Birth of the Cubicle
The 60’s gave birth to the cubicle. A no-nonsense space for worker drones to do just that, work.
Although Robert Propst originally intended for cubicle workspaces as a means to help promote productivity, privacy, and health. His original design was instead used to save money in construction and development costs for building out offices. In other words, pack-in as many employees into as small a place as possible.
The 80’s and early 90’s saw the rise in popularity of the cubicle. After so many buyouts and mergers it was the most cost-effective way to cram together a lot of employees.
My first introduction to a cubicle came in 1985 when I got to see my dad’s “office” for the first time. Rows and rows of gray walls and beige trim. One or two had pictures hanging or maybe a plant. Then in 1995. I enlisted in the Army and found that like most businesses or government facilities at the time, inexpensive utopian office furniture was apparently all the rage.
The Fall of the Cubicle Workspace
The 90’s gave rise to dot com startups, portable computing, and the internet. It also led to the decline of the cubicle. The cube fell and gave way to the open office concept. The continued miniaturization of the personal computer and the rise of the laptop meant we no longer needed to make room for bulky office equipment. Hot desking also started to take off, and open-office designs complemented this new way of working perfectly.
The initial intention of the open office concept was to break down the barriers of the work environment, fostering greater collaboration and interaction among colleagues to enhance productivity. However, the implementation of an open office floor plan has proven to be counterproductive. Despite the initial optimism, the absence of cubicles and the transition to a large shared space led to increased noise levels and distractions.
Surprisingly, this environment hindered collaboration rather than promoting it. Productivity declined instead of improving, and workers actively sought ways to minimize interactions with their neighboring colleagues.
Continued Below
-
Freestanding T-Shaped Office Divider | Sapphire Cubicle System | 6x10x65″
Rated 0 out of 5Actual Footprint Size: 6’2.75″W x 10’1.75″D x 65″H Panels Pictured: Fabric: Aqua Laminate: White Glass: Tempered…
-
eSCAPE Connect Acoustic Wall Art 30″W x 47″H | 15 Colors Available
Rated 0 out of 5Easy installation. Can be mounted on the wall using hot glue, trim nails,…
-
Medical Facility Room Divider | Treatment Area Partition | Sapphire Cubicle Walls
Rated 0 out of 5Overall Footprint Size: 12’4″W x 6’10″D x 65″H Panels Pictured: Fabric: None Laminate: White Clear Acrylic…
-
eSCAPE Acoustic Abstract Wall Art | Noise Reducing Wall Decor | 15 Colors Available
Rated 0 out of 5Purchase Online as Pictured or Call (888) 993-3757 to Specify Different Colors Easy…
-
eSCAPE 18″H Custom Acoustic Desk Divider | Design Your Own Privacy Screen | Completely Customizable
Rated 0 out of 5Create the table divider that fits your needs best. We can manufacture corporate…
-
eSCAPE Series Feather Acoustic Wall Art | 47″W x 84″H | Available in 15 Colors
Rated 0 out of 5Easy installation. Can be mounted on the wall using hot glue, trim nails,…
-
eSCAPE Series Acoustic Wall Art Vine | 47″W x 84″H | 15 Colors Available
Rated 0 out of 5Easy installation. Can be mounted on the wall using hot glue, trim nails,…
-
eSCAPE Series Paradise Fern Acoustic Wall Art | 30″W x 47″H | 15 Colors Available
Rated 0 out of 5Design: Paradise Fern Size: 30″W X 47″H Excellent acoustical qualities. 1/2″ thick PET…
-
Clear or Frosted Acrylic Privacy Screen 12″ High | eSCAPE Privacy Solutions | 8 widths
Rated 0 out of 5Desk Dividers are a easy and affordable way to add privacy to existing…
-
eSCAPE Edge Clamp with Knob Acoustical Desk Divider 12″H | 5 Widths | 15 Colors Available
Rated 0 out of 512″H Acoustical value helps to block out distracting office sounds Zero emissions Made…
-
Quantum Series Rectangle Electric Sit-Stand Desk | 36″ x 72″| 9 Laminate Options
Rated 0 out of 5Straight Sit & Stand Desk Storage Included: Wally mobile file cabinet Material: Plastic and…
-
U-Shaped Sit-to-Stand Cubicles | Sapphire Cubicle System | 9x9x52″H
Rated 0 out of 5Actual Footprint Size: 9’5″ D x 18’6″W x 52″H Panels Pictured: Fabric: None Laminate: White…
-
eSCAPE Series Lava Acoustic Wall Art | 47″W x 84″H | 15 Colors Available
Rated 0 out of 5Easy installation. Can be mounted on the wall using hot glue, trim nails,…
-
eSCAPE Acoustic Decorative Wall Panels | Wall Mounted Acoustical Panels | 15 Colors Available
Rated 0 out of 5Select Color Below (if you want assorted colored panels, please call (888) 993-3757…
-
eSCAPE Series Hanging Acoustical Panel | Fern Leaves | 47″W x 84″H | 15 Colors Available
Rated 0 out of 5Hanging panels are a great way to divide your space while adding a…
-
eSCAPE Circle Vents Acoustic Wall Art | 24″W x 47″H Acoustic Panel | Available in 15 Colors
Rated 0 out of 5Easy installation. Can be mounted on the wall using hot glue, trim nails,…
-
eSCAPE Acoustic Hanging Panel 47″W x 47″H | Set Of 2 | 15 Colors Available
Rated 0 out of 5Hanging panels are a great way to divide your space while adding a…
-
eSCAPE Circles Suspended Acoustic Ceiling Panels | 3 Piece | Acoustical Ceiling Baffles | 15 Colors Available
Rated 0 out of 5Select Color Below (if you want assorted colored panels, please call (888) 993-3757…
-
eSCAPE Series Grate Strip Hanging Acoustical Panel | 47″W x 84″H | Available In 15 Colors
Rated 0 out of 5Hanging panels are a great way to divide your space while adding a…
-
12″ Acoustic Privacy Screens | Desk Top Mounted | 5 Widths | 15 Colors
Rated 0 out of 5Acoustical value helps to block out distracting office sounds Zero emissions Made from…
The Revival of the Cubicle Workstation
COVID-19 completely changed the office landscape and culture, with more and more people returning to the office from remote work, safety protocols still need to be followed. The open office and hot desking which had previously dominated corporate culture was no longer a viable option.
If employees were going to return to the office from the safety and comfort of home, then they insisted on working in an environment designed for their safety, not corporate conveniences and profits.
The cubicle workspaces from years earlier were inherently built for social distancing. The walls help isolate workers and limit the spread of germs. Unlike the cubicles from our parent’s generation, cubicles have come a long way. Glass panels, colored panels, sound dampening & noise reduction products, and even locking doors are now standard. Storage management that includes filing cabinets and overhead storage bins are always a nice addition as well.
Need A Office Redesign?
SKUTCHI Designs bestselling Sapphire Cubicle System features everything needed to create individual or grouped cubicle workstations. The Sapphire Cubicle System is safety, privacy, and functionality all in one. It’s fully customizable for heights up to 65” with the panel wall options of your choice. You can choose from thermal-fused laminate panels, tempered glass panes, 100% recycled PET (recycled plastics) panels, or white board surfaces.
No other cubicle system easily compares. You can see for yourself by clicking here and then contacting one of our project managers.
And if you want stay up to date with all things SKUTCHI Designs (and commercial interior design trends), sign up for our newsletter below or follow us on social media.
Don’t Miss Out!
Did you know that when you subscribe to the SKUTCHI Designs newsletter, you’ll get weekly product spotlights, discounts, blog announcements, and clearance items delivered to your inbox?
Join the thousands of business professionals who receive early access to all that SKUTCHI Designs offers.
Unsubscribe at anytime. Your name and email is private and never sold or shared.
