The modern office, a symbol of business and industry, has a history stretching back to ancient civilisation. Ancient Egyptians and Romans utilised office-like spaces to manage affairs and keep records. The word ‘office’ itself, derived from the Latin ‘officium’, reflects its roots in Roman culture. The Middle Ages saw the rise of offices in monasteries, where monks would meticulously copy texts.
The industrial revolution in the 18th century marked a significant shift, with offices becoming administrative hubs for burgeoning industries. The invention of the typewriter and telephone in the late 19th century further transformed office work, with women increasingly employed as secretaries. By the 1930s, offices had become the bustling, noisy environments we recognise today.
Post World War II, the open-plan office emerged, influenced by German ‘Burolandschaft’ or ‘office landscape’ design. The 1960s saw the rise of cubicles, aimed at providing workers with more privacy. However, the ‘cubicle farm’ soon became synonymous with monotony and lack of creativity.
In recent years, offices have evolved to become more flexible and collaborative, with an emphasis on employee well-being. Despite the shift to remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the office remains a crucial part of our working lives, continuing to adapt and evolve.
Go to source article: http://theconversation.com/a-short-history-of-the-office-82000