Cubicles to co-working: navigating the evolution of office spaces

When you think of office spaces, what comes to mind? Maybe you see rows and rows of cubicles — or perhaps you think of your own cozy home office.

There’s no doubt the world of office spaces has evolved drastically, especially since the pandemic has increased the rate of remote work. Some are working from home entirely. Others are maintaining a hybrid schedule. But even before 2020, office spaces have gone through many iterations. From open floor co-working spaces to tightly packed lines of cubicles for office environments (and back again).  

It’s exciting to imagine what offices will look like ten, twenty, or even eighty years from now! But before we start imagining the future, here’s a brief history of the office cubicle and how we got to where we are today.

Now, let’s fast forward to the early 2000s… Google famously opted for a playful, open floor plan sans office cubes. Tech offices across the globe followed suit and transitioned from cubicle farms to airy open floor plans that served as symbols of innovation, creativity, and the future.

However, in 2020, the amount of people working from home soared — and so did the desire for privacy. More and more, companies started bringing back cubicles for office environments and low partitions to accommodate workers who preferred privacy and personal space.

Rather than viewing office cubes as a negative and drabby office element, more workers reported feeling safer, more secure, and more confident in a cubicle.  

Research also found open floor offices were linked to less face-to-face discussions among team members. Other studies found they were associated with more stress and less productivity.

Proponents of office cubicles say they’re ideal for those who may get distracted easily or feel anxious in open-floor environments. On the other hand, critics of cubicle office spaces argue that open plans are superior for fostering creativity and building an aesthetically pleasing, communal workplace.

Here’s a breakdown of the pros of office cubicles:

• Extra privacy, whether you want more space while taking Zoom calls or checking off a mile-long to-do list
• Might be more conducive for those who get distracted easily
• Helpful for anyone who feels anxious at the feeling of eyeballs watching over them while they work
• Offers more customization and freedom for workers who'd like to put up frames, pictures, and plants
• Provides extra barriers when it comes to catching colds from co-workers
  
  

and the cons of office cubicles:

• Associated with stale and stuffy work environments
• Often viewed as a hindrance to brainstorming, collaborating, and team bonding
• Less dynamic and aesthetically pleasing compared to open offices
• Takes up more space, so in small offices, cubicles may not be realistic

To cubicle or not to cubicle? This is the question for many current workplaces when they’re designing an office. And at Haworth, we’re believers that office cubicles are great for some... and not for others. People are different, as are their work styles and habits. So it’s not surprising ONE template doesn’t satisfy every person or work environment.

Depending on your space and industry, a mix of co-working spaces, cubicles for office use, and comfy places to connect and build community sets the foundation for a pleasant and productive workplace. This variety meets different individuals’ needs, preferences, and job responsibilities while still carving out space for co-workers to feel a part of a community. Something that’s always important, but especially these days.

In a world where the office is where we spend so much of our lives, every piece of furniture and design decision makes a world of difference. Take it from us, a team that has studied ergonomics and workplaces for decades, intentional office furniture can not only change the way we work, but they can also change the way we feel about our work and ourselves.

Our team is leading the charge when it comes to creating office spaces that are both ergonomic and adaptable to the evolving needs of businesses. From our modular office solutions to adjustable workstations, we provide a mix of office pieces to make your space feel as special and dynamic as the team that’s working in it.

Here are our tried-and-true tips for creating a healthy and happy workplace, whether you’re working with an office cubicle, home office, or open floor plan:

• Don’t skimp on high-quality ergonomic office chairs: Our ergonomic office chairs are designed by a team of scientists and designers to put your body in a naturally aligned position. That way, you have better posture, less back pain, increased focus, and a nice-looking chair you like to sit in (and look at!).
  
  
• Invest in sit-to-stand desks: The ability to shift from sitting and standing at your desk is a game changer for your body and your ability to keep your attention locked in. Once you get used to a sit-to-stand desk, you won’t go back!
  
  
• Give yourself ample lighting: Gone are the days of eerie overhead fluorescent lighting (thank goodness!). Instead, choose from stylish and warm table lights that offer a good glow, extra personality to a desk, and, of course, enough light to reduce eye strain.  
  
  
• Provide extra boundaries for privacy: Sometimes the difference between “can’t focus” and “flow” is as simple as adding a screen. Our Belong Territory Screen provides a subtle yet significant barrier — and it doubles as a great place to store utensils, decorations, and odds and ends.
  
  
• Say YES to color: Color is proven to affect our brain functioning. (Orange = motivating, blue = calming.) Take advantage of the power of color with furniture. Some favorites include Fern chairs, the 4-function table, and a desk mat. A little goes a long way.

Whether you gravitate toward a minimal office cube or a colorful photo-filled co-working space, we hope this post helps you make the most of your office space. You may even find yourself missing your office chair or pretty desk light when you work from home. So take a look at our full collection of office chairs, desks, accessories, and so much more. 

Learn more about Haworth’s expert design tips and ways to improve focus and privacy in the workplace.