National Cubicle Day

Hello there, cubicle dwellers! Get ready to celebrate National Cubicle Day, the day dedicated to all the hardworking folks who spend their days in those tiny, yet cozy, office spaces. It's time to embrace the cubicle life and show some love for the little gray boxes that keep us productive. So, grab your stapler and settle in for a fun-filled day in the world of cubicles!

When is Cubicle Day?

It's national cubicle day on the 28th April.

The Origins of National Cubicle Day

While the exact origin of National Cubicle Day remains a mystery, one thing is for sure: cubicles have become an integral part of office culture. Back in the 1960s, renowned furniture designer Robert Propst introduced the concept of the 'Action Office' to revolutionize the workplace. The original idea was to create flexible and functional workspaces that encouraged collaboration. However, over time, the concept evolved, and the humble cubicle was born.

Today, cubicles are synonymous with office life and have even earned themselves a reputation for being both claustrophobic and oddly comforting. Love them or hate them, cubicles have become icons of the modern workplace.

How to Celebrate National Cubicle Day

Now that you know the history behind cubicles, it's time to celebrate National Cubicle Day in style. Here are a few ideas to make your day in the cube extra special:

Decorate your cubicle with fun and inspiring decorations, from motivational quotes to colorful streamers.
Organize a cubicle-themed potluck with your colleagues, bringing in tasty treats and snacks to share.
Create a competition in your office for the best-decorated cubicle. Let your creative juices flow and transform your workspace into a masterpiece.
Take a break from your computer screen and enjoy some cubicle-themed games, like 'Pin the Stapler on the Bulletin Board' or 'Paper Airplane Toss'.
Use National Cubicle Day as an opportunity to connect with your neighboring cubicle-dwellers. Strike up conversations and build camaraderie, making the most of this unique shared space.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the world's largest cubicle is located in the heart of New York City? Standing at a towering 10 feet tall and filled to the brim with office supplies, this giant cubicle is a sight to behold! So next time you feel a little cooped up in your own workspace, just remember that it could be so much bigger!

History behind the term 'Cubicle'

1968

Invention of the Action Office system

In 1968, Robert Propst, an industrial designer, invented the Action Office system. This system aimed to create a more flexible and efficient office space. The system consisted of movable walls, adjustable furniture, and a layout that prioritized employee privacy and productivity.

1976

Introduction of the 'cubicle'

In 1976, the furniture company Herman Miller introduced the term 'cubicle' to describe the individual workspaces created by the Action Office system. The term 'cubicle' derived from the Latin word 'cubiculum,' meaning a small chamber or room. The design of these workspaces featured small enclosed areas defined by high partitions, providing employees with a sense of privacy while also allowing for collaboration when needed.

1980s

Rise in popularity of cubicles

During the 1980s, cubicles gained immense popularity in office environments. The growing demand for cost-effective and space-efficient office designs, combined with the need for employee privacy, contributed to the widespread adoption of cubicles. Many companies embraced the cubicle layout as it allowed for maximum utilization of office space while still providing employees with their own dedicated work areas.

1990s

Criticism and negative perception

By the 1990s, the cubicle began to face criticism and developed a negative perception. The lack of natural light, limited personalization options, and the feeling of being isolated from coworkers led to complaints about the impersonal and sterile nature of cubicle environments. The term 'cubicle farm' emerged to describe large open office spaces filled with rows of cubicles, further emphasizing the negative connotation.

21st century

Shift towards open office concepts

In the 21st century, there has been a shift towards open office concepts and collaborative workspaces. Many companies have dismantled their traditional cubicle layouts in favor of open, shared spaces that encourage interaction and teamwork. However, cubicles still find value in certain industries and professions that require a level of privacy or concentration, such as call centers or certain administrative roles.