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The concept of the cubicle was developed in the late 1960s, but it is only in the last 20 years that office construction engineers have embraced it. Many believe the design of the open work environment was for the benefit of the worker because it promotes more effective communication between employees and allows them to be more productive. There are also underlying benefits to the company. The cubicle saves companies money and makes modifying a work environment easier. There are many variations, but the cubicle has become a generally accepted office design. Although the premise had good intentions, the cubicle has turned out to have much more negative effects in the work environment. Specifically, there are three main areas in which the virtual office runs circles around the office cubicle: communication, productivity, and privacy.

Productivity

The cubicle was intended to increase productivity in the workplace. This is one of the biggest areas where the home office runs circles around the office cubicle. In a cubed environment there is the potential for numerous distractions. Just imagine trying to focus on work when all around you there are cell phones ringing, telephone or in-person conversations going on, horseplay among co-workers, and noises from people eating or doing other personal activities. It’s easy to understand how productivity is hampered. In a home office you are in control of your work environment and in effect able to get more work done.

Communication

Effective communication is a necessary component of just about any business industry. When there is a lack of ideas, instructions, and feedback a business operation can stall and become less successful. Cubicles are supposed to promote open communication between workers. While it is true that people are easily accessible in a cubicle, communication is less effective than when you work from home. In a cubed environment you have people shouting over their workspaces, jumping into conversations, and eavesdropping. All of these behaviors actually cause communication to break down. For example, when people are talking about a situation, it is easy for people in the surrounding area to hear what they are saying. The people involved in the conversation may not be as open as they would like to about the situation because of fear of who may hear them. If you need to discuss an issue with someone when you work from home, you can simply call them on the telephone and communicate openly without fear of others listening to your conversation.

Privacy/Confidentiality

There are many styles of cubicles, but their basic design doesn’t leave much for privacy. If you need to discuss a matter, whether it is related to work or is a personal matter, you are forced to search for a private space in which to hold your conversation. The latest addition to the cubicle is the cubedoor, which is aimed at adding more privacy to cubicles. Unfortunately, many people have complained that all the cubedoor does is force people to knock before entering a cube. When you work at home, you are in your own personal sanctuary. There is no need to seek out private space.

Regardless of how much people complain about working in a cubicle, the chances are high that it will continue to be the standard for years to come for people who work for someone else. When you consider the level of importance that productivity, effective communication, and privacy have on the success of a business, working from home is really the best choice.

Ryan Smith and Joe Zumbo are leaders and trainers with The Global Resorts Network. To see more visit http://www.RetireWithGRN.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - An Office Cubicle Versus a Virtual Office: Making the Case for Starting a Home-based Business