Today, the trend may be changing again. A few companies are making a point of purchasing larger cubicles to give employees a little more elbow room. Many more are focusing on enhancing comfort without actually increasing cubicle size. It appears that 6×6 cubicles can be perceived as reasonably spacious if an effort is made to use smart design.

Canada’s National Research Council has done quite a bit of experimentation on this topic. Here are some of their findings for ways to increase employee satisfaction in a cubicle-based work environment:

• Arrange workstations so that as many workers as possible are near an exterior window or have one in their line of sight.
• Use lower panel heights and pale color schemes to increase the penetration and reflection of natural light into the workspace.
• Install lamps in each cubicle so employees can control light levels with their own dimmer switch.
• Specify acoustic cubicle panels that are higher than the heads of seated employees.
• Arrange workstation entrances so they are not facing high-traffic areas.
• Check cubicle layout to ensure that ventilation is even and there are no uncomfortable drafts.

The NRC does recommend increasing cubicle size as one possible strategy to achieve better acoustic privacy. However, they also point out that the use of noise masking technology can serve a similar purpose. All in all, most of their recommendations can be implemented in an office setting where 6×6 cubicles are used. And, you can discuss all of these issues with our consultants during a free office design planning session.

Quad Station

In this example from the Compose line by Haworth, all employees are facing in one direction. Ventilation can be provided from a single angle (say, above and behind) to serve the entire group. Four workstations are combined to create a very stable structure.

Double U

These two U-shaped York workstations from Knoll share a central seating area to save space. Since the workers are facing away from each other, there is a greater sense of privacy. Storage can be shared or separate depending on the needs of the employees.

Spine

One of the most popular cubicle configurations for efficient electrical and data wiring is the spine setup. Workers can sit facing each other along a single work table for greatest space savings. Panels and workstations can be added along the spine to create separate cubicles in a less collaboration-oriented environment.

Honeycomb

The Resolve system from Herman Miller is an example of one of the newer cubicle layout designs. It uses 120 degree joints to create honeycomb shaped workstations. These give employees a sense of having more room while actually conserving space. They can be set up along a zig-zag spine or arranged in clusters.

In general, off-module cubicle structures permit greater flexibility. A panel system might have connectors that permit several configurations to accommodate interior building features like columns or windows. Or, you might have the option of integrating a storage unit at any 6” interval along a panel instead of just in one set spot. The customizable nature of off-module cubicles can also make them a better option for a diverse workforce. For example, being able to select the preferred height for a worksurface can be a boon for very tall or very short employees.

Then, there are the skills that make a person a really good cubicle installer who gets the job done right. Attention to detail is very important. Installers are expected to inspect every item prior to loading the truck and after installation. They also have to be prepared to follow any special instructions for each client. As far as qualifications go, the ability to use power tools and a practical knowledge of assembly procedures for the major cubicle brands (HM, Haworth, and Steelcase) is required. These skills are easily testable, so there’s no way to fake it in a job interview!

This job description also places an emphasis on strong problem solving skills. That’s a must for any professional in the field of cubicle installation. Even with the most detailed planning, there’s always the chance that a challenge will come up on the job site that requires a creative solution.

If you are moving to another building in the same city, your original office furniture dealer/installer can probably quote you a fair price for moving your cubicles. However, if you are moving to a different state, you will need to contact a commercial relocation specialist. Since every cubicle brand has unique assembly requirements, the company you choose to move your cubes should have experience with handling all the major manufacturer brands. Otherwise, they may inadvertently damage your cubicles or end up with mysterious “leftover” parts after the re-installation.

It’s a different story if you are purchasing advanced cubicle/workstation combinations. As the number of components and tools required for installation increases, so does the difficulty of installing cubes as a DIY project. Here’s an article on eHow about “How to Install a Steelcase Cubicle”. You’ll notice that the instructions get a little vague when it comes to the part about running the electrical wiring and data cabling.

Cubicles with “raceways” at ground or worksurface level are designed to permit efficient distribution of power and communication capabilities to every desk in modern workplaces. This can be a very complex job that requires the assistance of not just a cubicle installation team but also an electrician and cable technician. If you plan on buying cubicles with more than a few, very simple parts, it makes the most sense to have a professional office furniture dealer coordinate your installation.

Punctual

First, they should arrive at your office site at the scheduled time. A delayed installation can cause disruption for your workforce – especially if employees have been moved to temporary workstations in preparation for the setup of the new cubicles. A professional install team knows this and respects your time.

Properly Dressed

Second, the way the members of the install team dress should let you know who they are. A shirt bearing the vendor’s logo or a clearly displayed ID badge shows you that the dealer is proud to have these employees represent their company. They won’t be wearing suits and ties since this is physical work, but clean blue jeans and a polo shirt are a fairly standard “uniform” that indicate the cubicle installers take their job seriously.

Speedy but Careful

Third, the cubicle installation should be carried out as efficiently as possible so that you can start using the office space. In addition, the cubicle installers should take care to protect both the cubicle components and the rest of your property from damage. This is one reason you may see pieces wrapped in moving blankets for transportation through your facility. Any debris or trash (such as packing materials) that accumulates in the workspace during the installation process should be cleaned up by the installers – without you having to ask.

Knowledgeable and Thorough

Fourth, these employees should be happy to let you watch them work and willing to answer your questions. This way, you understand how the cubicles are put together in case you want to make modifications later. Finally, a trained installer should be present to do a final walk-through with you to ensure that the job has been completed to meet or exceed your expectations.  That’s not too much to ask!

The performance of a building’s air handling system or other constantly running equipment can also be a major factor in overall acoustic comfort. A moving part that isn’t well lubricated can cause annoying squeaking or rattling that drives workers slowly mad. Of course, for situations where strategically generated white noise can increase the level of privacy, many companies install sound masking technology. With 70% of office employees claiming that they could be more productive in a less noisy work environment, remodeling for greater acoustic tranquility might be a “sound” investment indeed.

Frames and Panels

Camlock^tm couplers connect these metal frames together. Rather than having two or three points of contact, this patented system runs along the full length of the vertical edge of each frame. This allows you to build a solid, sturdy wall. Initial installation and later changes are fast and simple. All metal surfaces are painted, coated, or naturally corrosion resistant for durability and longevity.

Tiles can be added or replaced at any time to reconfigure or just change the appearance of these Maxon cubicles. Metal tiles are ideal for high traffic areas where more delicate surfaces may be damaged. Laminates and tackable fabrics offer attractive options to match any décor. Glass provides open design alternatives for team workspaces; whiteboards add utility to cube interiors and collaborative areas.

Electrical and Data

You can power your Empower cubicles with cabling run from the floor, walls, or ceiling. Each panel has 2” of interior space to accommodate data and power lines. Run cables through raceways along the floor line or through panel-top channels. Access can be provided at the height of the worksurface or along the baseline – whichever is most convenient.

Customization

With over 600 sizes and shapes to select from including curved and wraparound styles, Maxon work surfaces can be incorporated to suit any layout. Overhead storage is available with an optional “anti-slamming” option that uses a gas assist cylinder to ease the bin door back into place. Employee storage options range from towers to bookcases and shelving.

To add your company’s personal touch to your Empower Maxon cubicles, send in a digital file with your corporate logo. The manufacturer can apply images with up to 4 colors on laminate or glass segments. For an even more sophisticated look, have your logo etched into the glass tiles. This is an especially nice selection if you are using this versatile panel system to create a reception desk.

This means you will have knowledgeable professionals on hand to work out all the technical details surrounding your cubicle installation. For example, our consultants can collaborate with your other vendors to determine the best power and data drop points for cabling and wiring.

The delivery team always makes an impression by showing up professionally dressed. They take care not to cause any damage to your property throughout the installation process. Better yet, they will make sure your office environment is up and running so you can move your employees in and start achieving productivity ASAP.