09 Dec Is the Workstation Dead?
IS THE WORKSTATION DEAD?
Not quite yet, it seems.
If we mention ‘work cubicle’ and a drab, dreary office pops into your mind, then be ready to change it. Because this piece of underrated office furniture has certainly come a long way, and still have a long way to go!
The work cubicle was birthed in 1967, created by designer Robert Propst. It has been dissed by the likes of George Nelson, comic strips like Dilbert, and TV shows like Office Space. Yet, does the office cubicle, or workstation, as we know it now, really deserve such an appraisal?
“I need my space”
Several studies have shown that workstations do have a positive impact on the work productivity and a general sense of comfort for the office users.
One such study conducted by Ethan S. Bernstein and Stephen Turban have shown that people naturally crave for privacy which workstations provide within the vertical panels erected around the tabletop. This is a space where the user can block distractions whether from a colleague’s phone conversation, or people coming in and going out of the office, to focus on the task at hand.
Besides, most are given the liberty to personalise this space they can call their own in the workplace, increasing their level of comfort in the office, which invariably affects their work performance.
Budget-Friendly Solution
Workstations are also more cost effective compared to constructing wall partitions, because they can be reconfigured to accommodate changes in seating plan, and typically cost less to install. Users are also now spoilt with choices in the design, thickness of panels, and types of panel-covering to achieve the aesthetic value they want, so drab and dreary is definitely not the case anymore!
Long, long way to go
Going forward, with the pandemic showing little sign of going away anytime soon, the vertical walls of the workstation could also be one of the lines of defence for those who need to be back in their offices. So, if you ask us, the workstation still has a long, long way to go!
If your company or client is looking to do up their office space, reach out to us at 6282 1655 or sales@offitek.com.sg, we’ll be most happy to help you with your queries!