Cubicle Etiquette – Helping You Survive In The Age Of The Cube

The much reviled and disparaged, Dilbertesque reality of the modern office, the cubicle, where human beings spend a large part of their lives trying to be as productive as possible can be a difficult place.

There is limited space; there is a lack of privacy and really not much room to call your own in an area that is populated typically with your computer and other work paraphernalia, leaving little space for anything else.

In a space such as this it is important to have a few rules of etiquette so that the time that you spend at work is as stress free and productive as possible for you as well as your co workers.

Keep it down

Cubicles by definition are partially enclosed spaces, and because of that sound will carry easily from one to another cubicle. Conversations on the phone or with another co-worker can be carried on as softly as comfortably possible so as not to disturb other cubicle ‘dwellers’.

Even a personal phone or a cell phone can be kept at a low volume so that incoming calls and messages don’t disturb others; if possible keep them on the vibration mode.

Respect personal space

Though a cubicle is not an enclosed, private office, treat it as though it were one. Indicate your approach by at least a perfunctory knock or other indication rather than simply sailing in.

It may not be appreciated and the suddenness may cause a disturbance. Be polite, ask for permission when you want to borrow someone else’s things or their work area; don’t take a co worker for granted, it can cause resentment.

If you want a potted plant make sure the tendrils do not trail into the adjoining cubicle.

Keep it tidy

since a cubicle is not an enclosed space and offers little in the way of privacy, it is best to keep the area as tidy as possible.

The benefit of keeping a place tidy is that it not only looks good and reflects well on you, it also means that the area is better organized, which make for more efficiency and productivity.

Follow the Rules

If risque humor or the semi clad female form is prohibited or even frowned upon in the work environment, eschew it. And don’t find another way to break the rules by having a screensaver that says naughty things or displays unseemly material.

If you display good cubicle etiquette you can reasonably expect the same from others.

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