Office Cubicles: The Worst Invention Ever and Why We Need More of Them

As the Internet boom rolled along back in the 1990’s and businesses popped up in nearly every corner of the country, would-be entrepreneurs gobbled up office space in record numbers. And during the boom perhaps one idea more than any other moved to the forefront of business thinking: Office Cubicles are the worst invention of all time but we sure do need them.

 

In fact, the cubicle has become such a ubiquitous part of the American white collar worker’s life that is has made major inroads into pop culture. Hit movies have been made about the space saving invention (remember the cult comedy “Office Space”?); and one of the most popular shows on television, “The Office”, centers its action on characters firmly planted in their cubicles.

 

The fact is that most office working American’s have direct contact with cubicles and the country has developed a love/hate relationship with the cubicle. And cube sellers say they can hardly keep up with demand.

 

Mark Rainbolt, director of marketing Cube Solutions, a full service provider of office cubicles and installations services, says during the “Dot-Com” 90s, major manufacturers were selling high-tech looks with a high tech price tag (News - Alert). Their clients, venture capital firms living on the tech bubble were buying it but Cube Solutions wasn’t.

 

“And when the bubble burst, those companies went down the drain. So did their attitude about spending,” said Rainbolt.

 

This period was the final push in the office cubicle evolution, a period which has now dominated the business environment for 40 years when the invention celebrated its birthday this past summer.

The evolution of the cubicle has now moved on to one focused on price as well function. Today, companies that are thriving are interested in value. While appearance is important, very often value is the driving factor, says Rainbolt.

”There's a much smarter view of office cubicles too. Cubicles are a commodity,” says Rainbolt. “Sure, you've got to have them, but you don’t have to spend a lot of money, or a lot of time, getting them designed, delivered and installed.”

 

What’s next for companies like Cube Solutions and the office cubicle? “We are always working to make it even easier to buy, and install our cubicles,” said Rainbolt.

The company’s co-op program has become decidedly popular, allowing Cube Solutions to offer customers even better pricing. “We are also pioneering programs that have nothing to do with furniture and everything to do with working together to help each other be more successful,” said Rainbolt.

 

So it seems for now that the often dreaded office cubicle has a safe place in American culture, as well as the workplace. As long as companies like Cube Solutions keep offering affordable cubicle alternatives and innovating planning ideas, its safe to say the cubicle is here to stay.

For more information about Cube Solutions click here.