Cubicle Living Office Space Workplace Etiquette
1. Get a rear view mirror. The worst thing that can happen is for your boss to creep up behind you while you're shopping online. She's been waiting all day for a report and though you may have only taken a five minute break, it looks as though you're a slacker. Get a small mirror and attach it to the top of your monitor. You'll be able to see if anyone is coming up behind you for a sneak attack.
2. Use Instant Messenger. Use the phone for work only. Everyone can hear you and if you start making many personal calls you'll quickly be stamped as rude or unprofessional. Download AOL or Yahoo Instant Messenger and keep your conversations online.
3. Trade in the curry for the salad. One of the downfalls of the cubicle work is that everyone can not only hear you, but they can smell you too. If you plan on eating lunch at your desk, be courteous of those around you. Avoid the smelly lunches. Your coworkers will thank you.
4. Not everyone loves Salsa music. Avoid listening to the radio at your desk and get a pair of headphones. Some people find music distracting while others can't work without it. There are tons of great online radio stations, so plug in and start rockin' out!
5. Become one with your cubicle. You will probably spend more time in that little square than you do on your own couch. Make it comfortable. Hang pictures of family and friends. Add personal touches that make your space feel warm and familiar.
6. Make friends with your neighbors. So space issues got you booted you from your office and now you're living life in a 4x4 square. It's not as bad as it seems. Being cooped up in a private office all day can be isolating. Make friends with the people around you. Since you're in this new communal space you might as well make the best of it.
7. Treat your coworkers. You're working in extremely close quarters, and what better way to warm the hearts of those around you than with some freshly baked cookies! If you don't bake, bring in some donuts. Treats for the office will boost morale and make you the most popular kid on your block.
8. Don't leave anything on your desk you don't want thrown away. If you like saving those water bottles to refill, or decide to leave some receipts on your desk so you can do your expenses the next day, you can kiss them goodbye. The cleaning crew usually comes in after hours and they have no mercy. Their job is to clean your area and they will probably throw out anything that looks out of place. Put your belongings in drawers or folders before you go home at night if you want to see them the next day.
9. Keep a snack drawer. The worst thing about sitting in a cubicle for eight hours a day is the fact that you're sitting in a cubicle for eight hours a day. Keep candy or snacks in your drawer and treat yourself after finishing a big project. It helps make the day go by faster and makes you feel like you have a reward in store after working so hard.
10. Leaving your cell phone on vibrate doesn't mean your neighbors can't hear it. The worst thing is to leave your cell phone on vibrate on your desktop. If your office is quiet, it might be more annoying for your coworkers to hear a constant buzzing sound than a ringer. If you leave your phone on vibrate, place it on top of a notebook to soften the blowor buzz.
