A cubicle workstation is a partitioned area often reserved for one specific worker. In offices or businesses with many workers sharing a main space, it is important that each worker have a specific place to perform his or her tasks. Choosing a cubicle workstation will depend on budget, size requirements, and design aesthetics.
The most common elements of any cubicle workstation are a work desk and dividing walls. Walls may be simple dividers that allow easy communication between all workers while maintaining a sense of separation, or they may be high and thick to promote a sense of confidentiality and privacy in sensitive work. The work desk may be a simple flat surface for a computer or other devices, or may be accented with drawers, shelves, and storage elements that promote an organized workspace.
If budget is a major concern, consider choosing a cubicle workstation that combines efficiency and flexibility. Simple models are typically made out of industrial materials, such as metal, plastic, or particle board. These may not look particularly attractive, but they are generally the least expensive option and provide for basic needs while allowing easy changes to the layout of the cubicles. Alternatively, consider looking for secondhand workstation cubicle systems that may be of higher quality even if a little battered.
It is important to consider the atmosphere of the workplace when choosing a cubicle workstation. In many offices, workers complete tasks together and must communicate more or less constantly throughout the day. If this is the case, look for a cubicle workstation system that facilitates cooperation, such as one with low walls or larger cubicles that allow enough room to crowd around a computer or project. In legal or medical offices where sensitive material is a function of day-to-day operations, more privacy may be necessary in order for clients to feel secure.
Design aesthetic is also an important part of choosing a cubicle workstation. Before purchasing, think about the image that a cubicle system creates and whether it fits the image the office is trying to project. An affluent, old-fashioned legal office would look bizarre with industrial metal and glass cubicles, just as a hip, modern architectural firm would be confusing if it had oak dividers and leather office chairs.
Consider the job of each worker and be sure he or she has enough space to perform tasks with a minimum amount of adjustment. If a worker's job includes working on blueprints, he or she must have a work surface that is large and practical for this task. It is important to create a balance between size and function: a cubicle should be large enough that it is easy to get around, locate needed objects, and perform tasks, while not being so large as to create inconvenient distances between necessary items.
