Understanding the Most Common Types of Company Workstations
An office workstation is a place where employees perform their daily tasks and responsibilities. Common elements you’d expect to find in a workstation include a desk, computer, writing space, and storage space for documents. In some cases, depending on the nature of the work, specialized tools and equipment may also be part of the workstation. In years past, offices were designed mainly to maximize space and fit as many desks as possible into the available area. However, modern office design has pivoted towards creating a more comfortable environment that enhances productivity. Today, you’ll find a variety of different types of office workstations, each designed to cater to the diverse work styles and needs of today’s workforce.
For instance, let’s consider the workstations of a design firm. Here, graphic designers will likely need high-performance computers with large monitors and drawing tablets while the sales team might require telephones in private spaces and computers equipped with customer relationship management software. This clearly illustrates how one business may need different types of workstations to support the various roles and needs of its employees.
At Extra Office Interiors, we offer design solutions in the tri-state region of New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, to provide the locations that inspire the greatest employee satisfaction and productivity. As many of us have learned in the last few years, office space matters and makes a difference in how we work and how much we can accomplish. Our team of design professionals works to create the spaces that lead to business success. Here we’ll explore some of the most common workstation designs so you can understand the variety of possibilities that exist for your office space.
Open Workstations
Open workstations, also known as benching stations, are characterized by an open layout with no defined personal space. These workstations are designed to foster interaction and collaboration among employees. They are particularly suitable for teams that need to frequently interact and collaborate on projects. For example, in a software development company, open workstations can facilitate team collaboration and problem-solving, as developers can easily discuss and troubleshoot coding issues together.
Team stations, a variant of open workstations, are specifically designed for collaborative work. They allow several employees to work together comfortably, fostering a sense of community and promoting the exchange of ideas. This collaborative environment can lead to more innovative solutions and improved team cohesion.
Cubicle Workstations
Unlike open workstations, cubicle workstations provide individual workspaces partitioned with some type of wall or divider. These workstations offer an element of privacy and aid staff in focusing on tasks, making them a preferred choice for employees who need a quiet environment for concentrated work. For instance, in a law firm, lawyers often need to review and draft legal documents without distractions, making cubicle workstations an ideal choice.
L-shaped workstations are a type of cubicle workstation that provides ample workspace and storage.The design makes efficient use of corner space, providing a large area for employees to spread out their work materials. This type of workstation can be beneficial for employees who manage multiple projects at the same time and need space to organize their work.
Executive Workstations
Executive workstations are specially designed for higher-ranking employees, reflecting their status and responsibilities within the company. These workstations often feature larger desks, additional storage, and luxurious elements to create a professional and sophisticated working environment. For example, the workstation of a CEO in a financial firm might include a large desk, comfortable executive chair, multiple monitors, and a private meeting area.
The quality and style of furniture in executive workstations often mirror the company’s brand and values, creating a positive impression on visitors and clients. Therefore, you can think of executive workstations as serving a dual purpose: providing both a functional workspace for executives and promoting the company’s overall image.
Other Types of Workstations
Besides the traditional cubicle and open workstations, companies are now considering ergonomic factors to boost employee health and productivity. Adjustable workstations, for instance, are designed to promote ergonomics and prevent workplace injuries. They allow employees to adjust the height of their desks, enabling them to alternate between sitting and standing. For example, in a health-conscious company, these workstations can help employees avoid the health risks associated with prolonged sitting.
Sit-to-stand workstations, which also promote movement and healthy work habits, are gaining popularity. Another relatively new concept is the use of hot desks. These are flexible workstations used on a first-come, first-served basis. This arrangement offers flexibility, especially for companies making the switch to a hybrid work model or those with remote or part-time employees.
Selecting the Right Workstation
Choosing the right workstation is a critical step that can impact the efficiency and productivity of any business. When designing such a space, several factors should be considered, including employee requirements, business needs, available space, ergonomics, and storage needs. It’s crucial to balance team collaboration with individual privacy when selecting workstations.
For instance, a marketing team that needs to collaborate frequently might benefit from open workstations, while a team of writers or researchers might perform better in cubicle workstations that offer quiet and privacy. A company that often requires employees to work on confidential projects might opt for cubicle or private offices over open workstations. On the other hand, a company with a strong emphasis on collaboration and teamwork might prefer open workstations or team stations. Ultimately, the right workstation should enhance productivity, comfort, and overall employee satisfaction.
Choosing the Perfect Workstation for Your Company
There is a broad array of office workstations available today, ranging from open workstations that encourage collaboration to privacy cubicles that offer a quiet environment for focused work. Selecting the right workstation is a significant decision as it can directly impact employee productivity, comfort, and satisfaction.
By considering factors such as employee requirements, business needs, and ergonomic standards, companies can create a work environment that not only supports employees in their daily tasks but also contributes to their overall well-being. In essence, the perfect workstation is one that aligns with the company’s goals, accommodates the employees’ needs, and promotes a healthy and productive work environment.
If your business is looking to design or refresh the layout of your office space, consider reaching out to Extra Office Interiors. We help businesses in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania design the spaces that best support their teams and brand image. Take the guesswork out of workstation design. Our design experts can save you time, money, and headaches by getting your workstation design right the first time. Reach out to learn more about our workstation design services.