Are you a developer working in a Cube?

[brad jones]

If you work in a cube, check out my newest blog post at:

http://blog.codeguru.com/blog/2009/0...in-a-cube.html

It might be time to ask for an office....

Brad!

[techgnome]

Working in an office isn't all that it's cracked up to be either.... I have to share mine. Actually being in cube vs office doesn't bother me, as long as people can't sneak up on me. And I have a window.... All I want is a window.

One of the things I hate about cube worlds is the "canyoning" effect....that's more depressing than anything else.... and yet, it's generally the most effective use of space. Go figure.

-tg

[brad jones]

and yet, it's generally the most effective use of space.

Interesting comment. Is it the most effective use? If people are less productive and more likely to get sick (and thus less productive), then would organizations be better --and more productive -- to build offices and have fewer people doing the work? Fewer people that are more productive might actually be better in the long run in regard to being effective.....

Brad!

Hey -- can a few people try to comment on the blog post? I've not really had much in the line of comments on the blog as a whole, and I want to verify that it is easy enough to do. Thanks.

[techgnome]

The commenting seemed to work for me... so long as I didn't hit that "Remember personal info" check box....

-tg

[Nightwalker83]

While I'm still at school I hope I will have the flexibility to work from home. I don't know how different programing is to web design in that respect? If I just had to spend most of the time in a cube or an office I could be doing the work from home, plus I would still have a less stressful environment. Of course there are some times I'd have to work at the office but I'd prefer to minimize the noise, and stress and work in my own comfort zone.

[Kasracer]

I get to work in a cube. In fact, I've always worked in a cube. It sucks. It's stuffy and just not setup the way I like. It's really weird too; if I work at home I usually end up working about the same amount of time but I get at least twice the amount of work done. Cubicals are just plain uncomfortable and the fact that you're constantly reminded that you're in a cubical (stupid walls) doesn't help either. As soon as I get to my cubical I start counting down to when I can leave this uncomfortable place so that also doesn't help my mindset at work.

I am convinced that as long as you have an honest developer they will get more work done at home than anywhere else.

Maybe one day I'll get to work at home or in an office (I'd rather at home) but that probably won't happen anytime soon. Too much corporate politics nowadays.

[techgnome]

>>>I am convinced that as long as you have an honest developer they will get more work done at home than anywhere else.
It's possible that I might be an exception to this but, the opposite is true for me. I suffer from ADHD, which means I am EASILY distracted... and at home, the distractions abound. At least at the office, I can block things out and get stuff done.

-tg

[Hack]

I had no problem leaving a comment. It wanted me to sign in however, but didn't recoginze my CG id and password so I left it "anonymously".

[Kasracer]

It's possible that I might be an exception to this but, the opposite is true for me. I suffer from ADHD, which means I am EASILY distracted... and at home, the distractions abound. At least at the office, I can block things out and get stuff done.

I typically have a short attention span but my problem is being in an office environment (especially at a cube) makes me really uncomfortable for a whole slew of reasons (dress codes, chairs, seating arrangement, temperature control, etc).

At home I typically put on a movie in the background and listen to it while I work. It makes me relax and I can just plow through a ton of work. Music on headphones as well and nothing beats working in your pajamas.

Though this isn't exactly on topic with the thread. I will say that working from home gives me 2 extra hours of my life everyday that I can work from home (commute is an hour each way). That and not putting up with traffic makes me happy throughout the day rather than uncomfortable.

[Kasracer]

Hey -- can a few people try to comment on the blog post? I've not really had much in the line of comments on the blog as a whole, and I want to verify that it is easy enough to do. Thanks.

I did but had to leave it anonymously. Do CG forum logins not work for blog comments? Regardless I find the blog difficult to read as there isn't much of a differentiation between comments and there is no support for italics or other items. I guess this is really a topic for another thread but I've always found the CodeGuru site difficult to read and navigate.

[JuggaloBrotha]

I'm still a student and I work two programming jobs in which I work in my own cubicle (which we call our office) and I find that it's not that bad, especially since we're allowed to have radios, cd-players, mp3 players and whatnot as long as we use headphones so it's not that much different to programming at home (other than at work my kid isn't around, which tends to be a hige homework distraction)

[RobDog888]

I work in a cube and we have a limit of offices here. We do have some cubes up against the perimiter that have windows, those are cool. I just want a window too. Its less confining and depressing.

I have also worked from home for 3+ years and missed all the human interaction. Glad to be back in a building. I get distracted by having the luxeries at home like taking breaks to run errands or stuff lol.

I think as long as you have a window you will be more productive.

[RobDog888]

I tried to register/sign up with moveable etc and it isnt recognising my login

[techgnome]

I typically have a short attention span but my problem is being in an office environment (especially at a cube) makes me really uncomfortable for a whole slew of reasons (dress codes, chairs, seating arrangement, temperature control, etc).

At home I typically put on a movie in the background and listen to it while I work. It makes me relax and I can just plow through a ton of work. Music on headphones as well and nothing beats working in your pajamas.

Though this isn't exactly on topic with the thread. I will say that working from home gives me 2 extra hours of my life everyday that I can work from home (commute is an hour each way). That and not putting up with traffic makes me happy throughout the day rather than uncomfortable.

Just goes to show, different people, different circumstances. I don't really mind working in an office/cube as long as 1) I can be comfortable - I'll turn down a job if the dress code is too stuffy.... I'm business casual here, that works for me.... my last job the dress code was to simply not come in your b-day suit! We often wore sweats in the winter and sandles, shorts, and tshirts in the summer.

We can listen to music, as long as it doesn't disturb any one around - those in cubes will use headphones, thos in the offices just don't blare the radio.

I've tried working from home. it's too easy for me to get off track. so I try not to do it any more.

-tg

[brad jones]

I did but had to leave it anonymously. Do CG forum logins not work for blog comments? Regardless I find the blog difficult to read as there isn't much of a differentiation between comments and there is no support for italics or other items. I guess this is really a topic for another thread but I've always found the CodeGuru site difficult to read and navigate.

Codeguru (and Jupitermedia) uses MovableType for the blog software. It is yet another login within our system. I actually requested some better formatting earlier today to help differentiate comment posts, so thanks for the feedback as it confirms my request.

Do feel free to make suggestions for the overall site in the Feedback froum.

Brad!
(The blog on Codeguru is relatively new, so I appreciate everyone's trying it out and commenting!)

[brad jones]

I tried to register/sign up with moveable etc and it isnt recognising my login

Sorry, separate login. Use anonymous.

Brad!

[DeanMc]

Hmmm, I think before JM adds any more features to CG a complete design and login overhaul is needed. I Don't use CG because its just too busy for my liking, its a shame too.

[RobDog888]

Sorry, separate login. Use anonymous.

Brad!

I tried to create a new login and it didnt work either.

How did TG make his post?

[RhinoBull]

I don't necessary agree with that "research" - there are plenty of pros and cons for either work space.
I just don't believe they spend all that money to reseach on something that will never change - businesses cannot afford to have personal office for every employee.
So, what's the point? This sort fo stuff frustrates people more than educate.

[Shaggy Hiker]

Back to the topic: I work in a semi-cubicle open floor plan type of place. Fortunately, I have considerable flexibility, and pretty much everyone in the office makes use of the flexibility to the hilt. I, for one, spend most of my time on a treadmill, with the computer on a platform. That would take care of the most ADHD person, as I can't very well lose focus (or else bad things happen). A treadmill at work would probably be a bad idea, unless it was set on very low speed, as I end up a bit stinky after fifteen miles or so.

Of course, they could give me a giant hamster wheel, and generate a fair bit of electricity from it. Probably not enough to run my laptop, but it would offset it.

[techgnome]

A semi-traditional, semi-open plan was something I suggested.... it didn't go well. So we're going to probably end up with some thing that will tick off someone. As far as I am concerned, as long as I have a window, my own self interests are satisfied.

RD - I posted anon as well... just plugged in the info.

-tg

[RobDog888]

The blog software seem a bit glitchy. I previewed my comment after filling in all fileds other then the url and it puked when I went to submit saying info wasnt filled out.

[brad jones]

In regard to the blog software.... I also don't like that I have to approve comments. (I Just approved RobD's.

We are using MoveableType which is suppose to be one of the more popular Blogging platforms. I'm not impressed so far..... Thanks guys for putting up with it. Hopefully you'll be willing to comment (using anonymous or otherwise) in the future.

Hopefully I can get it streamlined to be better for all of us...

Brad!

[dclamp]

When i picture some ones cubicle, i imagine half of the cubicle is your desk and the other half is your body in a chair.

Typically, how big are your cubicles?

[RobDog888]

I think mine is about 6x8 and 5' 6" high I guess. Can do a better estimation tomorrow.

Most cubes are built with modular panels so they are like puzzles so you can configure them in the most optium way. At home I have an extra bedroom as my office and it HAS TWO WINDOWS!!!

[dclamp]

6x8 seems comfortable though.... Working in a cubicle doesnt sound all that bad to me.

[Shaggy Hiker]

Mine is the space I'm sitting in, as we have several people in a section of the office, while others have very small cubes, and a few have more luxurious spaces. It wasn't designed, we just crammed people in as the need arose.

[GaryMazzone]

Mine is 6x8 with walls about 4' high (degined for LEED standard). We get a small roling set of draws,can be used and an extra seat if some is in it does have a 2 inch pad on top. Another set of draws built in and a small closet to hang jackets in (gets cold here).... Music is allowed via head sets if you want.

We are also allowed to work from home, but my wife keeps interupting me when I do that.