Do Office Cubicles Really Affect Productivity for IT Workers in India?

According to the Indian scenario, do office cubicles have an impact on employee productivity, especially on those working in the IT industry?

You have posted a very important question. Apart from the IT industry, this question has a lot of significance for other industries as well, considering that maintaining productivity to deliver is a critical factor for most organizations today.

Let us look at your question in a real-life scenario within the IT industry.

Scenario 1

A department is working on a critical IT-related project that requires multiple communication modes with external vendors, developers, third-party organizations, etc. An enclosed cubicle would ensure more concentration on tasks, individual space, conference facilities, and privacy for the employees. This is also important as, in the IT domain, employees involved in the User Acceptance Testing (UAT) process of job specifications have to keep working on the same task repeatedly. This may lead to frustration if the employee does not have a suitable work environment. The idea here is to ensure appropriate resources to reduce errors for better delivery timelines.

Scenario 2

A department is working on a temporary project, and the department will be dissolved post-project. Some organizations, to save costs, do not want to purchase or sign a lease agreement with vendors for office setup in such cases. In some organizations, unstructured tables and chairs are organized to get the tasks going. Over the long term, such practices have proven to be counterproductive and demotivating as well. Let me explain! If employees do not have a barrier that ensures some amount of privacy, they end up discussing more things than what is related to the project. This is not bad as socializing at work is important. However, timelines tend to get stretched.

Secondly, if the office setup is temporary, it reminds everyone of the underlying question: What Happens To Us After The Project? This eventually leads to demotivation, gossip, etc. An office cubicle will surely not stop such behavior, but why create an environment that encourages it.

Scenario 3

Many working individuals spend a significant portion of their daily hours at work. Most are emotionally attached to their workplace and personalize it with pictures, religious figures/idols, etc. A cubicle environment ensures they have the emotional freedom to be comfortable with who they are and what they believe in. Contrary to this, many organizations have cubicles to ensure a smooth work environment, and employees are not allowed to decorate their cubicles as it is not their property but an asset belonging to the organization.

Whether in India or across the globe, employees should be provided with a proper work environment as it is non-negotiable for the organization.

Food for Thought – How Can an Organization Blame Its Employees for Poor Productivity When They Have Not Provided the Right Resources?

Productivity issues should be the concern of the Manager and the Performance Management System. These are my individual views based on my personal experiences. However, your reasons for asking this question may vary.

Regards,
The Training Specialist

Pros and Cons of Office Cubicles

Office cubicles cannot be said to have only adverse impacts; they come with both pros and cons. They provide freedom and privacy, help with concentration, and minimize disturbances. Generally, they have more pros than cons. However, they can have a negative effect when a person is under stress, seeking attention, or experiencing mood swings, boredom, or disappointments regarding personal development.

The impact of cubicles also varies depending on the environment, such as the building structure and facilities. The planning and construction of cubicles, including good ventilation and air quality, are crucial. In some offices, poor conditions can lead to suffocation and discomfort. If we are not discussing such defective cubicles, then they are mostly beneficial. They help employees feel that the employer is supporting their need for personal space.

Regards

The Impact of Office Layout on Productivity

It has two sides, both good and bad. It depends on the nature of the project or work undertaken. For example, if the project requires hectic consultations with cross-functional teams, then an open office is desirable. If the project is specific and focused, requiring more attention from employees, then it is recommended to opt for cubicles. One has to use discretion depending on the project.

Has any scientific study been done on this? Is any data or link available? We can have our opinions, but nothing will substitute a scientifically conducted study to collect and analyze data, and build findings.

It depends on many factors: the kind of employees (age group, demography, geography), the size of the company, competitors, the nature of projects, and many more. It's more about mindset rather than the impact on productivity; there is no set defined relation with productivity either way.