Feeling blue? Maybe it's your cubicle
A survey of office workers reveals that many people feel disappointed or embarrassed by their work space. Nine percent wouldn't want their mother to see where they work.
In a survey sponsored by computer peripherals company Logitech International, 42 percent of office workers graded their work space design a C. Another 10 percent rated their cubicle or office a D, and 4 percent gave it an F. Only 6 percent gave their space an A. Logitech this week released the results of the study, which surveyed 1,003 U.S. office workers.
Those surveyed spent an average of 37.5 hours a week in their work space, whether in an office, cubicle or shared space, according to the study. In all, office workers gave their respective spaces a 2.3 grade point average, the equivalent of a C+, Logitech said.
"Whether because of clutter, lack of personal input, or poor computer systems, U.S. office workers are often displeased or see room for improvement with the state of their work space," Brenda Batenburg, senior manager of market research for Logitech, said in a statement.
Nearly half of women surveyed--46 percent--and 32 percent of men said their emotional state was closely tied to the condition of their work space, Logitech said. In addition, 65 percent of the respondents said a well-designed office or work area and a well-designed living room are equally important.
Seven percent said their desk was a safety hazard, while 6 percent were embarrassed by their space and another 9 percent wouldn't want their mother to see where they work, Logitech said.
Lack of privacy was the top annoyance cited by those surveyed. Other irksome features mentioned by many included "not enough shelves to put things", "no window" and "too much clutter."
Twenty-three percent of respondents said they would like more control in choosing their computer peripherals, while 30 percent want more input in choosing their computer system, Logitech said.
Logitech, a Swiss public company, sells a variety of wireless keyboards and mouse products. The company said it is conducting a "cubicle makeover contest" during March, in which grand-prize winners will receive advice from a professional design consultant and a prize package of equipment and furniture worth $530.