Modern office design has brought many changes to the workplace. One of the major trends that has completely transformed the traditional office layout is the introduction of the open-space plan. The open design has brought employees together into a single collaborative work environment, creating a unique company culture.
However, there has been much discussion about how open design is actually beneficial, with some opponents presenting convincing arguments against it. This has led many business owners to find themselves comparing office cubicles and workstations.
Thus, if you need to equip your workspace with functional office furniture in San Diego, you might want to consider whether to go with traditional cubicles or modern workstations.
What is the difference between a cubicle and a workstation?
If you’re not really into office design or have missed a few trends, you may be wondering how office workstations and cubicles differ and what’s the better option.
When it comes to office cubicles, they used to be a popular solution in more traditional office settings. This type of layout was widely embraced because it enables a worker to focus solely on the task at hand by eliminating distractions through high wall-like partitions.
On the other hand, workstations are actually cubicles reinvented. They are widely used in open offices where employees aren’t separated from the others, but rather share a work area where they have their own portion of a large desk, for instance.
Workstation vs. cubicles
As for specific differences between these two models, here are a few major ones:
Separation
Cubicles separate employees because they have walls, unlike workstations that group employees together.
Distractions
There might be more distractions at workstations because workers share the same area, which normally increases noise levels.
Efficiency
Some argue that cubicles are a better option for boosting employee productivity, while others suggest that efficiency is greater when employees can consult each other and work in a more dynamic environment.
Teamwork
It goes without saying that employees can work with each other easily if they share the same working area rather than being separated.
Activity
Workstations allow employees to introduce activity-based working in the workplace, where employees can change their seating arrangements depending on the activity they’re focusing on at one particular moment.
Togetherness
An office that includes workstations may bring employees closer together as it encourages them to communicate more. This can greatly benefit company culture and business in general.
What is the standard size of a workstation?
After considering these factors, you may think “workstations are just what my office needs!” If so, it’s important that you furnish the office with appropriate stations. Of course, size is one of the most important factors to consider since improperly sized workstations can clutter up your office and affect its functionality.
To choose the best size for your workstation, you should consider:
- What shape workstations will be;
- The size of your office area in general;
- How many team members will share one station;
- The equipment and other supplies that will be placed there;
- Whether you will include storage units in your workstations.
Since workstations accommodate multiple employees and require more space, it’s recommended that you consult an experienced design professional. They can take a look at your office and suggest the most adequate solutions for your work environment.
How much space do you need for a cubicle?
When it comes to office cubicles, deciding on the size is a bit easier because this type of work area is meant for one person. There are three standard sizes of cubicles: 8 x 8, 8 x 10, and 8 x 12.
While there are some exact standards on cubicle sizes and spacing between them, this all depends on the state and type of office. The most important thing is to ensure plenty of space for your employees to work comfortably and move around. In addition, it’s crucial that employees with disabilities can easily access their cubicles.
Reinvent your office with prime office furniture solutions in San Diego
Here at BOO Furniture, we’re here to give your office the “wow” effect that will delight both your employees and your clients. We’re dedicated to bringing you office furniture of superior quality and lasting durability, enabling you to make a long-term investment in office design that will boost your business.
Our team of expert design consultants can help you with a range of design matters, from picking the right workstation size to advising you on how to place your reception desk. We service entire San Diego County, so whether your office is close to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park or some of the surrounding neighborhoods, it’s all the same to us because we’ll be there either way. Let’s find a design that works for you!