Are cubicles better than an open office?

Cubicles or an open office? It’s a question which has been repeatedly asked since the advent of the non-traditional individual office spaces.
Decades ago, when businesses outgrew traditional office spaces, cubicles became a practical way to house more employees without the space and cost of private offices. But then came the backlash. Employees felt stifled by the segregation and tight spaces of early cubicle iterations and cubicles eventually became the symbol of a soulless work environment that was anything but inspiring or collaborative.
In response, the open office space was born. Here, employees could spread their creative wings and enjoy a more expansive atmosphere that signaled a new way of doing things, one that was more liberating and employee-centered.
However, open office plans didn’t solve every workspace challenge. In fact, the new design brought its own set of challenges due to its wall-less concept. “Heads down work” became more of a challenge and noise considerations, which weren’t a concern in the era of private offices, began to become a big problem. In response, cubicles have been making a comeback, leading to a lot of confusion about the best approach to office design.
If you’re looking to create a new office space or revamp an existing one, what does all of this mean for your specific plans? It can be helpful to understand the pros and cons of the various office layout designs so you can create a space that’s right for your business and how your staff works. After all, many businesses have unique needs and there isn’t typically a one-size fits all approach that will benefit every company.
The Pros and Cons of an Open Office Design
Benefits of an Open Office Design
Encourages Collaboration
Open spaces remove the physical barriers that keep people from conversing and sharing ideas. It’s easier for team members to share ideas and work together when they are within the same workspace.
Improves Communication
Rather than having to send an email or instant message, employees can communicate quickly and informally so they can get issues resolved quickly and move back to their focused work.
Cuts Costs
Open designs don’t require the materials and furniture needed for a cubicle design.
Fosters Creativity
When people work together, they can get motivated by team spirit and the dynamic energy created in a shared area.
Enhances Productivity
When managers and staff are working in the same space, there’s less risk of employees becoming distracted by common time wasters like looking at personal phones or watching random videos to pass the time.
Offers Greater Flexibility
Without barriers in place, an open layout can be easily adjusted to accommodate changing team sizes or needs.
Drawbacks of an Open Office Space
Lack of Privacy
A large expansive space can make it difficult for employees to focus on individual tasks or have private conversations.
Increased Noise Levels
Conversations, phone calls, and movement in an open space can create a distracting environment that impacts productivity.
Potential for Decreased Productivity
Some employees, including those who have more introverted personalities or are neurodivergent, may struggle to concentrate in a bustling open office, leading to reduced output, more sick days, or a push for working from home.
Lack of a Home Base
Employees may miss having a private space to personalize , a space they grow accustomed to in their daily work routine.
Health Concerns
Shared spaces can contribute to the spread of illnesses and reduce overall workplace hygiene, which can lead to more callouts which can impact work flows.
The Pros and Cons of Cubicles
Pros of Office Cubicles
Increased Privacy
Cubicles can provide staff with the personal space that allows them to deep focus, hold private conversations, and work without continuous interruptions.
Noise Reduction
Walls help buffer sounds and create quieter work environments.
Personalized Workspaces
Many people enjoy customizing their cubicles with personal items. Not only does this make their space feel more comfortable, but it also gives them a feeling of being a part of the business with a space of their own.
Improved Focus
Cubicles offer enclosed spaces that minimize visual distractions and promote deeper focus and concentration.
Defined Boundaries
Cubicles can provide the structure teams need to separate collaborative time from private, focused sessions.
The Cons of Cubicles
Feelings of Isolation
Cubicles can stifle creativity and make some employees feel stuck in a tiny box. This may lead to a disconnected culture.
Reduced Collaboration
Employees may remain in their cubicles and mingle less, impeding the flow of ideas and communication.
Perception of Rigidity
Cubicles can appear outdated or overly formal, potentially impacting workplace culture and employee satisfaction, while giving the brand a dated look.
Space Inefficiency
Cubicles can take up more floor space per person compared to open office designs. This may reduce flexibility, limiting team growth.
Blocking Natural Light and Ventilation
Cubicle walls can block light and airflow, creating a less vibrant and airy workplace.
Lends Itself to Digital Distractions
In their self-contained cubbies, employees may be tempted to play on their phones or give in to other distractions.
Creating a Hybrid Work Environment
When you have to choose between two options, oftentimes the best solution isn’t an either/or solution. In the case of which office design is best, an open office plan or cubicles, many businesses will find the right answer in a compromise of both options.
Open spaces can create welcoming environments that invite team members to mingle, collaborate and feel in the loop. It can support a company culture that people enjoy being a part of, fostering relationships that keep people invested in their work life. Cubicles however, give people a sense of a place, a spot where they can let their individuality shine and focus on the deep concentration work that really moves the needle. Cubicles also afford a level of privacy without taking up the real estate of individual private offices, making them a happy medium when you have many staff to seat but don’t require everyone to have their own personal office room.
It can be helpful to incorporate a mix of collaborative areas and private zones into an open office environment. Modular furniture and moveable dividers can be useful to shift open spaces into more divided regions. Permanent quiet zones are essential in open office workspaces to provide space for calls, meetings and focused work.
Equipping an office with technology that supports hybrid workflows can deliver seamless collaboration between in-office and remote employees. Finally, it’s helpful to aim for a balance of private and open spaces. This can be accomplished with the use of partial-height partitions or glass walls, which maintain openness while reducing noise and visual distractions. Acoustic panels and greenery can also be added to improve sound absorption and aesthetics.
The Importance of Getting Your Workspace Right
An office layout and design may seem like the icing on the cake compared to the nuts and bolts that make your business run. In fact, it’s better to look at the space as the foundation which gives your business the structure and space to thrive. The wrong design can cost you in productivity loss, higher turnover, and inefficiencies. But, when you get the design right, you can experience the many benefits that a well-thought out work space can provide, including increased productivity, loyalty, and in-office satisfaction.
The right office space design doesn’t just magically happen. It starts by analyzing the way your team works and the environments they need to support such efforts. By taking the steps to create an effective office space, you’ll minimize the time and cost of design missteps and the negative ripple effect on your business’s health. Don’t plan things out alone. Extra Office Interiors is a design service focused on serving the needs of businesses in New York City, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Our team has the experience and know-how to develop and execute a plan that suits the needs of your team. Don’t leave something as crucial as your company’s office design up to chance. Reach out to learn more about our design process and how we can help you create a space where your business can thrive. Set up a consultation today!