Office or Cubicle? I can't decide. UPDATE. I chose the office

[Ciao Mickey]

Ok here's the back story. I work in a cubicle farm but my cubicle is great. It's very large and has a full, large window with a good view. I get tons of natural light.

I've been offered my own office but the problem is that there are no windows in the office. The benefits are that it's quieter than my cubicle so I can and larger than my cube and there is more privacy.

I honestly don't know what to do. Would you take the office or stay in the cubicle

I would not give up a window with a view!

I can't think of anything worse than being stuck in an office without a window.

 

[sksjasams]

One word...DOOR.

I have been working in a cubical for 15 years now. I would just love a little privacy to make a personal phone call when needed. Conversations with doctors, spouses, etc. I actually sat next to a woman for a while who would add her commentary when I was on the phone. She did not even have the courtesy to pretend she wasn't eavesdropping. Now I tend to make all personal calls in the hallway. I would LOVE a door!!!

 

[Styx Fan]

This is obviously one that comes down to personal opinion. Perfection is an office with a nice window. Next comes a cube with a nice window. I am a light person and would always take the cube with the window over an office without. When I was in a cube without a window, I would end up standing while on the phone sometimes just to look out. I would wander over to the window when I could. I would roll my chair out into the corridor between cubes. I just crave light

At one point in my working years, they ran out of cube space in my office, and since another woman and I were both part time and only in together one day per week, they jammed 2 cubes into a tiny corner office. The dividing wall came went diagonally across, but you could still see out both windows. It was heaven! The managers were jealous of our little cubby

 

[puffkin]

Tough call. I would love the privacy of an office, the door, and the perceived status. But enough cannot be said for a window! I honestly don't know what I would do!

 

[jlewisinsyr]

One word...DOOR.

I have been working in a cubical for 15 years now. I would just love a little privacy to make a personal phone call when needed. Conversations with doctors, spouses, etc. I actually sat next to a woman for a while who would add her commentary when I was on the phone. She did not even have the courtesy to pretend she wasn't eavesdropping. Now I tend to make all personal calls in the hallway. I would LOVE a door!!!

Two words...collaboration rooms. Collaboration rooms are meant for impromptu meetings and confidential/private conversations.

Eight months ago, I would have said Office.

But we moved to an Open Floor plan and now I really love my cube. I had an office space in our old building and thought I'd really miss it when we moved. But - I now sit surrounded by my colleagues / peers and am so much more connected to them. Our projects move along more efficiently, we know each other better, I "overhear" things that lead to improved ideas or workflows or plans on both sides, etc.

I couldn't agree more, the connection you build. However, I find most often, managers prefer the office and leaders prefer the open floor for exactly the reasons you state (note, there is a difference between being a manager and a leader). The amount of information you gain, share and collaborate on with an open floor plan is incredible.

In my company, I could have access to an office if I wanted it, but I choose not to, I don't want to lock myself away from my team, I want to be there for them, leading them, not just managing them.

 

[kelly495]

I would stay with the window. I had a windowless office once and absolutely HATED it. I would get out of there any chance I could get and it hurt my productivity.

 

[kaligal]

The best part of an office is that you can fart and not worry.

The second best part is that you don't have to listen to people having moronic conversations. Actually, that might be tied for best. ...

The third best part is that you can play music quietly and it won't bug anyone.

You can close the door and make out a little if your loved one happens by.

Office is better, IMO.

 

[scbelleatheart]

I'd say office but I have LOUD employees and I cannot get through a phone call without someone walking in and talking without looking to see if I'm busy. It would also shelter me from all the noise in the plant which is really loud.
You know those "Do Not Disturb" signs? They mean nothing in a small business whose employees have been with us forever, even with the door shut!

 

[Halloween Baby]

I have an office with no windows... I actually picked it when we moved floors. I'll tell you one thing: when everyone else is freezing in the winter and hot in the summer from the windows they sit by, I am nice and comfy in my room!! I have plants and decorated so it looks nice and I don't even notice the lack of windows. Just make sure to bring a lamp or two so you don't have to use the florescents!

 

[bballmom56]

I would take the window - so in this case, that would be the cubicle.

I would not do well in a windowless office - too confining.

 

[MichaelGau]

I'd take the office with a good, natural-like light, so that you can be in a quiet place, with the feeling that you are outside... : )

 

[kaytieeldr]

One word...DOOR.

I have been working in a cubical for 15 years now. I would just love a little privacy to make a personal phone call when needed. Conversations with doctors, spouses, etc. I actually sat next to a woman for a while who would add her commentary when I was on the phone. She did not even have the courtesy to pretend she wasn't eavesdropping. Now I tend to make all personal calls in the hallway. I would LOVE a door!!!

Window. We can't use active work space for personal calls/business anyway, so the lack or presence of walls or a door truly doesn't make a difference. I'd take the space with the view.

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

I went from a cubicle to an office without a window. I had the choice of my current office without a window tucked down a hallway with my own bathroom or an office in the middle with a large window but a shared bathroom.

I do miss knowing if it is sunny or rainy, but it is very quiet here and having my own personal bathroom in my office was WAYYYY better than a window! I think the quiet is well worth the lack of view too.

 

[rgf207]

Well I picked the office and I'm happy with my choice. I do miss the window but I have more room and it's much quieter. I feel like I get more done.

 

[disney1990]

I've had both and I would take the cube with the window over a windowless office. I can't live without windows, it just adds to my depression.