by Todd Pheifer

Created on: July 08, 2010

The cubicle has become a standard piece of office equipment in today's modern organization as companies look for a way to separate their employees into individual work spaces without doing major amounts of construction.  There are some benefits to the cubicle system but there are also some drawbacks, despite widespread use.  With that in mind, here are a few thoughts on why cubicles are ineffective. 

Enclosed space

One of the problems with cubicles is that they put a barrier around the professional.  Granted, some people do enjoy the boundaries of their environment but in many ways the cubicle can hamper the ability of people to be creative and productive.  Essentially, people can feel a bit claustrophobic if they are stuck in a cubicle for a long period of time.

Short and tall

Cubicles can also be ineffective due to their different heights and designs.  Some cubicles are shorter and allow for people to see each other and communicate throughout the day.  The problem with shorter cubicles is that they do not allow for enough privacy and they can simply be a segmentation of the office.  Taller cubicles may provide for additional privacy but they can make the employee feel more isolated and disconnected from the rest of the office.

Lack of strength and stability

Another weakness of the office cubicle is the fact that it is not always the most durable or long-lasting piece of furniture.  Granted, the cubicle is not necessarily meant to last forever and some companies are fine with employees feeling like they have not yet earned a permanent space.  However, this doesn't change the fact that the cubicle can feel a bit temporary and lacking in overall stability. 

Missing privacy

Finally, the cubicle is ineffective because it does not allow people to get a lot of privacy.  Phone and interpersonal conversations can be heard and anyone can easily see what is going on in the cubicle.  Of course, many companies are not interested in creating privacy for their employees, as an open office environment creates access and accountability.  The overall challenge of the cubicle is that it is a  generally mediocre solution to a lot of issues.  Cubicles are sort of like little offices and a bit like an open office.  However, they do not really meet the criteria for either of those settings, which is why many would argue that the cubicle is generally ineffective. 

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