How to Choose the Best Office Workstations for Your Team

The best office workstations do more than just give your team a place to park their laptops—they can completely transform how people work together. Want to see productivity soar and employees who look forward to coming in? It all starts with smart workstation choices.

Ready to create an office your team will love? This guide gives you exactly what you need to know. We're talking practical advice you can use right away to make decisions that'll have your team thanking you for years to come. 

Let's make your office the place where great work happens!

Need flexible office solutions? Check out our Modular Workstation Collection for adaptable setups that grow with your team and maximize your workspace.

Figure Out What Your Team Needs

Start by asking your team what they want. They use these workstations every day and know what helps them work best.

Make a quick survey about desk size, storage needs, and comfort preferences. Some people might want standing desks while others need room for papers.

Find out if they have any pain or discomfort during work. Back pain or wrist strain might mean you need better chairs or keyboard setups.

Ask about privacy too. Some people need quiet space to focus, while others prefer open areas for teamwork.

This input helps you buy furniture that actually works for your team.

Think About Different Job Types

Different roles require different workstation setups. Design teams may need larger desks for drawings or dual monitors, while customer service might need compact spaces with headset accommodations.

Consider these job-specific needs:

• Creative teams: Spacious desks, adjustable monitor arms, and room for tablets
• Administrative staff: Storage solutions for documents and supplies
• Developers: Multiple monitor support and ergonomic keyboard trays
• Management: Space for small meetings and document review

Also think about collaboration patterns. Teams that frequently work together might benefit from clustered workstations or shared workspace furniture.

Mobile employees who aren't always in the office might do well with hot-desking solutions rather than permanent workstations.

Types of Workstations: Rectangular vs. L-Shaped

Choosing between rectangular and L-shaped workstations can make a big difference for your team's productivity. Here's how they compare:

Rectangular Workstations

Rectangular workstations are the classic, straightforward option you'll find in most offices. With their simple shape and clean lines, they're versatile enough for almost any environment. They feature a single work surface that runs the length of the desk.

• Perfect for smaller spaces and straightforward tasks
• Usually more affordable and easier to arrange in rows
• Great for collaborative environments where teams work closely
• Simpler design works well in modern, minimalist offices
• Ideal for focused computer work or single-monitor setups

L-Shaped Workstations

L-shaped workstations feature two connected work surfaces that form a right angle, creating a corner workspace. This design gives employees a primary and secondary work area without needing to move between stations.

• Provide separate zones for different tasks on each surface
• Offer more usable space without taking up more floor area
• Better for multitaskers who handle paperwork and computer work
• Allow for more monitors or specialized equipment
• Create a semi-private feel even in open floor plans

The best choice depends on your team's daily tasks and available space. Many offices mix both styles to accommodate different roles.

Important Workstation Features 

Certain features can dramatically improve comfort, productivity, and longevity of your investment. Focus on these key elements to create a workspace that supports your team's needs.

Comfortable Ergonomics

Good workstations need to be comfortable. Remember, comfort isn't just nice to have—it helps people work better and prevents health problems.

Here's what to look for:

• Adjustable desks that fit different heights and preferences
• Sit-stand options so people can switch positions during the day
• Desks that work well with your office chairs for good posture
• Setups that keep screens at eye level and arms at the right angle
• Custom options for team members with special needs or job requirements

Tech-Friendly Design

Tech-friendly design makes all the difference in today's workplace. When technology works seamlessly with your furniture, your team can focus on their work rather than wrestling with wires and adapters.

Consider these features:

• Smart cable management systems to banish cord chaos
• Built-in power access points that keep everything charged
• Surface-integrated wireless charging pads for phones and devices
• Generous desk space that accommodates all necessary equipment
• Clever storage solutions for keeping tech accessories organized

How To Make The Most of Your Office Space

Finding the sweet spot between fitting everyone comfortably and giving them room to work is key. With some smart planning, you can create a space that works for both teamwork and focused individual tasks.

Smart Office Layouts

Don't just cram desks anywhere - think about how people move around. A good setup puts everything within reach and cuts down on distractions. A well-planned office feels bigger and helps everyone work better!

• Position workstations to minimize traffic and interruptions
• Add smart storage like drawers or shelves to keep desks clean
• Choose adjustable furniture that can change when your needs do
• Use wall space and vertical storage to save floor space
• Keep cables neat and out of the way

Room for Teamwork and Privacy

Today's workplaces need to support both collaboration and focused work. Create dedicated zones for different activities instead of a one-size-fits-all approach.

Collaborative areas might include:

• Open tables with comfortable seating
• Whiteboards or digital displays
• Movable partitions for flexibility

For privacy and concentration, consider:

• Acoustic panels to reduce noise
• Privacy screens between workstations
• Small, bookable focus rooms

The best office environments offer choice. Some team members might prefer bench-style desks for easy communication, while others need more defined personal space with cubicles or partitions.

Balance open and enclosed spaces based on your team's specific work patterns. Remember that even collaborative teams need quiet spaces for concentrated work.

Clutter killing productivity? Browse our Workstation Storage Collection for smart solutions that keep everything organized and within reach.

Conclusion on Best Office Workstations

Finding the best office workstations is straightforward when you know what to look for. Focus on what your team actually needs, prioritize comfort and technology integration, and make smart use of your available space. Your investment in quality workstations will pay off through increased productivity and happier employees.

Ready to create your ideal office? At Arcadia Furnishing, we're here to help you find the perfect solution for your team and space. For more office furniture insights, check out our guide on Types of Desks to complement your workstation planning.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Best Office Workstations

What is the difference between a cubicle and a workstation

Cubicles have dividers for privacy, while workstations can be any desk setup for employees. Cubicles create individual spaces in shared areas, but workstations include open desks, bench systems, or offices. Choose based on whether your team needs more collaboration or quiet focus.

What are the different styles of workstations?

Open-plan workstations have no dividers and encourage teamwork. Benching systems place desks in rows to save space and work well for collaborative teams. Pod-style setups cluster desks in small groups, while height-adjustable options let employees stand or sit throughout the day.

What is the size of a standard workstation?

Standard workstations typically measure 6×6 or 6×8 feet, enough for a computer and essential items. Larger 8×8 feet spaces work better for roles needing more equipment. The minimum comfortable desk should be 48 inches wide and 30 inches deep.

How big should an office cubicle be?

Entry-level cubicles range from 6×6 to 6×8 feet, covering basic needs for most work. Mid-level employees benefit from 8×8 feet spaces for added comfort and materials. Manager cubicles should be 8×10 or 10×10 feet if they host small meetings, with 36-42 inch pathways between cubicles.