Beyond the Cube: Why Modern Teams Are Moving Past the Cubicle

April 28 is National Cubicle Day, a moment originally created to celebrate the structure and order of traditional office design. But in 2025, the cubicle feels more like a symbol of the past than a solution for the future. Work has changed—and the places we work need to keep up.

The Decline of the Traditional Cubicle

The traditional cubicle was once synonymous with productivity. Popularized in the 1960s and '70s as part of the “Action Office” movement, cubicles were intended to offer both focus and personal space. But over time, they evolved into a rigid grid of beige walls and fluorescent lighting.

Today, a growing number of companies are rethinking this model. According to a 2023 study from Gensler, only 12% of U.S. office workers say they prefer working in a cubicle layout. Instead, employees increasingly value spaces that provide both autonomy and access to collaboration—something cubicles often lack.

Another report from Steelcase found that 77% of workers say they perform better when they have a choice in how and where they work. The message is clear: static environments don’t support dynamic teams.

What Workspaces Need Now

Today’s top-performing teams value spaces that balance collaboration and concentration. And in a world shaped by hybrid work, flexibility isn’t a perk—it’s essential.

From layout to lighting, every design decision matters. Harvard Business Review reports that well-designed offices boost productivity, focus, and mental health.The move away from cubicles isn’t just aesthetic. It reflects deeper changes in workplace culture and behavior:

• Hybrid and remote work have redefined what a "workplace" even means. Teams now expect office space to add value beyond what they can get at home.
• Collaboration and focus are no longer mutually exclusive goals. Employees want both, depending on the task.
• Design matters. Research from Harvard Business Review shows that well-designed offices can lead to higher job satisfaction, better focus, and even improved mental health.
  

These changes have led to the rise of more adaptive, human-centered office environments—ones that encourage connection without sacrificing privacy, and flexibility without losing structure.

Two Smarter Solutions from Poppin

At Poppin, we believe the future of the office isn't about tearing down walls—it’s about building smarter boundaries. That’s why we offer two privacy-forward workspace solutions: PoppinSpaces and Poppin Privacy Panels.

Let’s dive into both.

1. PoppinSpaces: Redefining the Office Cubicle

PoppinSpaces are our modern answer to the outdated cubicle—designed to bring together the best of privacy, comfort, and collaboration. Whether you're supporting hybrid schedules or rethinking your HQ layout, PoppinSpaces are modular environments built to adapt.

Why teams love PoppinSpaces:

• Visual and acoustic privacy — without total isolation

• Modular layouts — reconfigure as your team or needs evolve

• Integrated power and data — no more messy cables

• Sleek aesthetics — stylish enough for startups, smart enough for enterprise

From heads-down focus areas to collaborative touchdown zones, PoppinSpaces let teams work how they want—while making every square foot work harder.

Learn more about how we reimagine modern office cubicles with real function and flexibility.

2. Privacy Panels: Fast, Flexible Personal Space

Looking for a quicker, scalable solution? Poppin Privacy Panels are ideal for teams who want to enhance focus without committing to a full build-out. They retrofit seamlessly onto any desk or benching system, giving employees the personal space they need—without cutting them off.

Benefits of Privacy Panels:

• Plug-and-play flexibility for fast office refreshes

• Personalized configurations for different teams and workstyles

• Compatible with Poppin desks (and many others)

• Sustainable and stylish design options

Privacy Panels are perfect for offices transitioning from open-plan chaos to a more balanced, productive vibe.

A New Way to Think About Privacy

As we reflect on National Cubicle Day, the question isn’t how to bring back the cubicle—it’s how to move forward with smarter space design.

Whether you’re designing for five or five hundred employees, privacy doesn’t need to feel isolating, and openness doesn’t need to mean distraction. With PoppinSpaces and Privacy Panels, your team gets options—solutions that adapt to the way people actually work today.

Forget the box. The modern workplace deserves better—and we’re here to build it.

Sources and Further Reading:

• Gensler U.S. Workplace Survey 2023
• Steelcase “The New Era of Hybrid Work” Report
• Harvard Business Review: “Why Office Design Matters More Than Ever”
• PoppinSpaces: Modern Office Cubicles | PoppinSpaces
• Poppin Privacy Panels