A successful business is often the result of a productive workforce. And a big part of ensuring that your workforce is productive is investing in the right type of workspace to facilitate efficient, effective operations. In today’s business environment, there are two main types of office layouts: cubicle layouts and open concept. Both have their fair share of pros and cons, which we’ll dig into throughout this post. Do you know what type of office style is best for your business? Here’s a look at what you need to consider before selecting or switching formats:
Cubicles
Pros
- Privacy: Ideal for introverted workers, cubicles offer the type of privacy that they need to be productive without lots of distractions. Cubicles can also prove to be ideal environments for sales staff that spend much of their work days on the phone with clients and partners.
- Increased productivity: Fewer distractions and more independence can help enhance productivity in the workplace.
Cons
- Dull workplace? It can be argued that the privacy and autonomy that cubicles offer are also their own worst enemy. In fact, in some environments, cubicles can transform a workplace into a dull one where social interaction and collaboration is minimal.
- Aesthetically displeasing: In the 1980s, cubicles were hailed for their design. Now, they’re largely loathed for it. In addition to sectioning off an office, in many environments they don’t even offer the privacy that is hoped for when it comes to noise reduction.
Open Concept
Pros
- More collaboration: If you think your employees are at their best when they’re collaborating, sharing ideas and regularly interacting, then the open concept office might be the best option for you.
- Lower workplace stress: Some studies indicate that open concept offices can help decrease stress in the workplace by creating more of a team environment.
Cons
- More stressful environments? Fortune magazine argues that in some cases open concept offices can have the opposite effect of what they strive for. The publication argues that open concept offices can actually be detrimental to productivity and creativity.
- Too distracting: A lack of privacy can lead to lapses in productivity. And since it’s unlikely that your workers are going to agree with each other 100 percent of the time, this type of office layout could create some tension between people in the office as well.
Contact Summit Properties For Your Commercial Office Needs
What type of office-style layout is right for you? Cubicles? Open concept? A combination of both? For more information on the pros and cons of each type, and to learn more about commercial office space in your area, contact Summit Properties today.