The Cubicle Celebrates It’s 40th Birthday!

Posted by MCC on July 31st, 2008 at 05:55am

The cubicle celebrated it’s 40th birthday this year! The cubicle was invented by Robert Propst a Herman Miller executive in 1968 and was originally called an Action Office!

It was the first open office system in the world and it has transformed the entire work place for most business’. Hallmark Cards was one of the first to integrate cubicles into their business in Kansas City, but others quickly followed.

The original design offered employees desks that were at two levels, one that they could sit to use and one to stand to use! This idea was probably one of the first introductions of ergonomics!

What started out as a great idea has become a dread for many office workers. The idea of providing two desks for each employee wasn’t cost efficient for most business owners. And, with the increase in the demands for more space, often the cubicle feels more like a box!

So, while you’re sitting there in your little cubicle, just remember, people have been where you are for 40 years! Happy Birthday Cubicle!

Under Furniture News