Office cubicles found lacking

Dear Joan:
I worked in four different offices over an 11-year period. I was at the fourth office for 5 years. Then I took off for six years to start a family.

Since going back to work 3 months ago, as an assistant underwriter, I've had this odd feeling that something is wrong but I don't know what it could be.

Maybe it is the way the office is set up. Everyone is in a cube. Many people cannot see anyone from their desk. I never before worked when I couldn't see all or most of my co-workers at a glance. Sometimes I do feel isolated. It feels weird to talk to someone sitting next to me through a cloth wall so I get up when I need a question answered.

What is the psychology behind designing offices like mazes? Don't people work better when they are aware that anyone can observe them at any time?

Answer:
The psychology behind the cubicle is quite simple. They are affordable, flexible and provide the privacy many workers need to do their jobs. Although they don't block out all the distractions of a busy office, they do muffle telephone conversations, beeping computers and most of the hustle and bustle.

It was once thought that workers had to be closely supervised to make sure they were doing their jobs. Many studies have been done on this theory and have proven it false. Generally, employees who are trusted and treated as responsible adults will work just as hard -or harder- when someone isn't keeping an eye on them all day.

Consider the alternatives: A large, open room tends to have the warmth of an auditorium with the acoustics to match. On the other hand, a room full of offices would take up too much floor space. Fred Meyer, Facilities Planning Administrator at Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, gave this example: "An average office takes up approximately 150 square feet, while a cubicle averages 48 to 64 square feet."

Offices would also inhibit communications more than your cubicle does now. Now you can "talk through the wall" or walk around the divider but with offices, you would have to exert more effort to communicate face-to-face. Although eliminating walls would allow you to see everyone, other advantages would be lost. "Cubicle walls provide wall space for files or shelves." says Meyer. "And people like having their own personal space to call home."

Meyer continued, "Cubbies can be tailored to fit any job. Companies can manage their growing or shrinking workforce without major reconstruction or office space."

However, Meyer points out that there is a growing trend to lower cubby walls so that employees can have an unobstructed view when standing but can retain "seated privacy." He states, "Employees have found that 62" high walls are overkill, and 34" are too low to give any privacy. The 54" high walls are growing in popularity because they provide the best of both situations and studies have shown that the acoustics protection between 54" and 64" are about the same."

So much for the technical end of your question. Let's examine why you may be feeling "something is wrong." The work you chose is highly technical and requires much research and analysis. The only human contact you are likely to have is with an agent on the phone or with a colleague who sits near you.

Perhaps after six years of working at home, you were looking forward to some adult companionship when you returned to work and now you find it is sadly lacking.

If you think this is the problem, ask your manager if there are any team projects on which you could work. Explain that you realize you must put in more time learning your new job before contributing to project work but that you would welcome the chance to work on a team. There may be some company-sponsored volunteer activities you could participate in which would acquaint you with more of your co-workers and make you feel part of the work family.

As you become familiar with your position, you may find that there are more people-related jobs at your company that require backgrounds similar to yours. For example, one logical career move would be to a supervisor position, another might be to a project specialist. Talk with your peers and your boss to uncover these opportunities.

In the meantime, reach out to those around you and develop strong working relationships. Don't be shy about asking to join your co-workers for lunch - try to meet as many people as possible. Your own inhibitions may be isolating you more than your four walls.

Does your team need a tune-up? We will conduct a detailed assessment and get to the bottom of the problem.  We will provide you with detailed recommendations and work with you, and your team, to implement needed changes.  We work with all levels within your organization, team or department. We have an excellent track record of success with teams in a variety of industries.  Call us today for information at (800) 348-1944.