Office Businesses People Cubicles Workers Experimenting Floor Filled

American businesses are experimenting with many different "office configurations" (arrangements of workplaces). In the past, many people worked in "cubicle farms" where "the bulk" (most) of each floor was filled with small "cubicles," or desks with partial moveable walls placed between them. These cubicle farms were surrounded by offices with doors that closed, primarily for managers, but also for "conference rooms" (larger rooms where many people can meet). Cubicles offer little privacy for workers, as their conversations can easily be heard by the people working around them.

In recent years, "open floor plans" have become popular. In an open plan, workers may not have "assigned" (intended for only one person) desks. The workspace is filled with large tables and chairs, and few or no walls. In theory, this office configuration should "facilitate" (make easier) open communication and encourage workers to "collaborate" (work together). But in reality, many workers find that they become distracted too easily, and they "long for" (strongly want to have) a place with some "privacy" (an opportunity to do things without being observed or interrupted by others).

Finally, some businesses are experimenting with "office pods," or small groups of desks or cubicles placed together. A typical pod might have six triangular cubicles facing each other, somewhat like the slices of a pizza or pie.

Why are there so many different office configurations? Because businesses are trying to identify the most "efficient" (producing the best results with the least amount of resources) and cost-effective use of limited space that "maximizes" (allows for the most) worker "productivity" (how much work someone can do in a period of time) without "diminishing" (reducing) employee satisfaction.