Tips help workers overcome ‘cubicle’ mindset

Since its inception nearly half a century ago, the cubicle has been a mainstay of office decor. Before the advent of cubicles, most office workers were lined up rather rigidly in desks in one open space. Those who held higher positions in the organization may have had a private office.

Robert Probst, a research director at Herman Miller, a home-furnishings company in Zeeland, Mich., came up with the concept of the “action office” in the late 1960s.

Designed to increase productivity of workers, the action office consisted of a variety of work surfaces and shelves that could be used to display paperwork and other work items (this was before the desktop computer became an essential element of offices across the globe). Partitions were part of the design, offering some semblance of privacy and a wall space that was ideal for posting work in progress. Desks varied in height so workers could stand up and stretch while working.

In theory, the action office had merit, but soon, plain old economics transformed cubicles into what they are today — an inexpensive means of housing employees in a relatively small amount of space.

Probst’s original design was meant to be flexible and movable. However, cubicles, once erected, rarely moved. And soon, companies packed them into whatever space they had.

Although there have been uprisings to thwart the cubicle lifestyle within the office environment — most unsuccessful — one of the more recent threats to cubicle life is the growing popularity of working from home or from other areas, such as coffee shops or areas with Wi-Fi service. Some office cubicles remain vacant most of the week, thanks to mobile technology and flexible bosses who allow work to be done anywhere — as long as productivity is not sacrificed.

For those who still spend considerable time inside a cubicle, however, here are some suggestions for making it your own. Add small decorative touches, like a landscape photo or a portrait of your family. Display diplomas or certificates of merit, especially if customers or clients will be visiting your cubicle. Plants can boost your mood and add a bit of life and color to the office, and they also help freshen stale office air. Many plants thrive under fluorescent lights, a staple of office living. Keep a candy dish on your desk so co-workers will stop by and visit for a few minutes (but not too long). Post a brainteaser or word of the day calendar to help keep your mind sharp.