The proper management of office space can be difficult. Every office has a finite amount of space, but the workplace usually needs to serve a wide variety of functions.
When it comes to allocating space for individuals and teams, the office cubicle can be beneficial. Cubicles make it easy to partition different areas for different workers while maximizing the usefulness of the available space.
While cubicles can be useful for managing the space in an office, there is more to it than just buying modular cubicles and setting them up. Size happens to be one of the most important considerations when selecting cubicles for an office.
Why Cubicle Size is Important
Cubicles can range in size from 2’x4’ to 12’x12’. Some office managers might even choose custom cubicles if there is a need. This range in size and design reflects the fact that the needs of an office or a worker might vary.
First, you have practical considerations. A cubicle needs to provide an employee with enough space for the work they do. Fitting more cubicles in the office won’t do you much good if your employees don’t have enough room to work.
You also have to consider employee morale. Employees need enough space for the office furniture they use and the different tools of the job. Beyond that, giving them just a little more space to move comfortably can do a lot to create a happier, more productive workplace.
Collaboration is another reason why size can matter. If employees regularly need to collaborate with each other, they might need a little extra space for a second person. Even if it is just enough space for a coworker to stand in the cubicle, it will be better for collaboration than forcing the second person to stand outside the cubicle.
Points to Consider
The right cubicles can foster a healthy work environment where employees can be productive. In this section, we are going to look at some of the points you need to consider when selecting cubicles for your office space.
Available Space
You wouldn’t want to buy cubicles only to find that you do not have enough space for the number of workstations you need. For that reason, you need to measure the available space you have for setting the cubicles up. Make sure to note the total square footage and the dimensions of the office space.
User Needs
Managers need to consider the amount of space different workers may need. Consider the desk size, the types of equipment they need and the type of work they might do. Along with that, you should try to provide employees with enough space to create a comfortable workstation.
Workplace Environment
You need to think about the type of work environment you are trying to create. Do employees primarily work on their own or do they collaborate? Are you looking for a more formal work environment or something a little more upbeat? Maybe you want things to be a little more open so employees can communicate and collaborate more freely.
Storage Capabilities
Storage can be another issue as it concerns cubicles. In some workplaces, employees might need very little storage. However, some workers might need more than just a desk for keeping items. Some cubicles can even come with built-in storage. Consider if a desk with some drawers will provide enough storage or if some employees might need filing cabinets or other storage solutions in their cubicles.
Cubicle Design
Modern cubicles can come with a lot of options. Instead of plain panels that just section off workstations, you can now select cubicles that have different features. As an example, they can come with paneling or tiles to offer different colors or aesthetics. Some can even come with features like integrated lighting or shelves.
Panel Height
Beyond the amount of floor space cubicles take up, you can also choose different heights. Taller panels can go higher than 60 inches while smaller ones can go as low as 42 inches. Lower panels can be good because they tend to cost less and they also make it easier for coworkers to communicate. The advantage of taller panels is that they offer a little more privacy and they can be good for employees who need to limit disturbances in their work area.
Adaptability
Consider the potential for future change when you buy cubicles. If you need to add more workstations or alter the layout of the office, you want to have cubicles that can accommodate change. Can they be set up and taken down easily? Do they offer different options for the ways they can be arranged? Would it be easy if you need to add more cubicles in the future?
Size happens to be one of the most important points to consider when selecting cubicles. Employees not only need enough space to do their work, but they also need space to be comfortable at their workstations. When you balance these needs against the size of the office, you can get the most from your employees while also maximizing the utility of the available space.
