While lower-level managers all across the country have had no choice but to adapt to the cubicle mentality, senior-level executives like to resist being torn from their big corner offices. They consider the spacious quarters an essential perk that represents power and status.
But even this is changing, industry space planners note. Many companies are now using equality policies that apply to the space in which top management resides.
Why all this reconfiguring? Cost, for one thing. With real estate prices climbing in many part of the country, stuffing more people into less space is more economical. For example, Verizon Communications in New York City has put its co-chief executives into the same type of offices as those used by second-tier executives.
There is also money to be saved on renovation costs. Arthur Andersen's Poladian says that until he initiated his one-size-fits-all approach, the endless renovating was the company's number two expense behind payroll. Companies are also choosing to keep things as simple as possible.
Tearing down interior walls and ripping up floors requires miles of costly rewiring to accommodate the technology needed to function in today's office.
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