We Feel Milton's Pain

By Benjy Lipsman in Miscellaneous on Jul 16, 2004 5:17PM

Seems that Milton's not the only one experiencing an ever shrinking workspace. RedStreak reports that offices and workstations are shrinking as companies try to maximize space and save money. Companies attribute the shrinking of personal workspace to flat screen monitors and smaller computers requiring less space, as well as the rise in meeting spaces.

While cubicle dwellers may think it's another case of management sticking it to them, execs have seen the greatest reduction in workspaces. Since 1994, executives have seen their office sizes decrease by 17%, to 239 sq. ft.

The reduction in space comes at a price however, as "it affects air quality, ventilation, power needs and even health." Additionally, "workers' resistance to change tends to increase when they feel their needs are being compromised to save a buck."

Chicagoist can personally attest to this trend, as we had our cubicle downsized when our employer consolidated workers to 1/2 a floor following a number of workforce downsizings. At least they didn't take our red Swingline stapler.