Common Cubicle Courtesy: Rules to Live By

By: Heather Hendrick, JobResourceCenter.com

There's nothing worse than being confined to a tiny, carpet-lined cell all day, staring at a computer screen. That is, unless you have bad cubicle neighbors. The cubicle, no one's first choice for an office space, is a mainstay in the modern workplace and a rather effective use of space. To avoid becoming the cube-mate everyone dreads having, follow the simple rules below. Your coworkers will thank you.

Never have fish for lunch…
This may seem obvious, but workers everywhere must resign themselves to facing noxious lunchtime fumes on a daily basis. Remember that just because you can't see your neighbor doesn't mean they can't smell you. Refrain from eating anything in your cube that you wouldn't eat inside a car with someone else: seafood products, red onions, ethnic or heavily-seasoned dishes. The smell is not only offensive to others, but may permeate the carpet or fibers within the office, lingering for days.

Don't yell over or around the cube to start a conversation…
In the same way you wouldn't want someone down the street trying to carry on a conversation with you, don't try to engage people in other cubes by speaking through them. It's difficult to communicate effectively this way, and is also distracting to those not partaking in the conversation. You never know if the person you're speaking with would rather keep your conversation private.

Try not to decorate your cube like the Las Vegas strip…
Those tiny stuffed animals and 76 pictures of your cat? Not very professional, and often can be seen as distracting to others. It's perfectly acceptable to bring in a few personal items to liven up your space, but keep them to a minimum. A couple of photos and a small plant is fine, but a full-size Hanson poster and working string of holiday lights is not.

Don't treat your cube like a restroom…
Again, just because you can't see others doesn't mean you're not bothering them. Refrain from blowing your nose or passing gas in your cube as others are sure to hear. Don't do anything in your cubicle that you would normally do in a bathroom stall – ladies, this means applying makeup or perfume, and men, this includes clipping nails and tucking in your shirt.

Remember that your cube is not a concert venue…
Just because you like Def Leopard doesn't mean all of your co-workers do, so resist the urge to use your computer speakers to play music out loud. Even if you feel the music level is acceptably low, you may be bothering your immediate neighbors and they're too polite to say so. If you must listen to music, consider using headphones or at least talking to everyone nearby about what genre you can all agree on.
Don't confuse your cubicle with a private office…
Walls give the illusion of privacy, but don't associate your confines with the same liberties that come with having a corner office. Never have lengthy personal phone conversations or chats with coworkers about weekend plans just because you're inside your cube. Others may find it distracting or even chalk your actions up to laziness.

Try not to forget to keep it clean…
Just like your home, your cubicle can be seen as a reflection of your personality. Shouldn't your colleagues view you as organized and on-top of things, rather than cluttered and confused? Keep papers stacked neatly and personal items on your desk at a minimum. Invest in storage areas for pens, paper clips, etc., and use them! When everything has a proper place, it's easier to keep things neat.

Whether you're new to the office or have been camped out for years, don't forget the impact your workspace can have on others'. Cubicles may be the best and most effective way to give everyone within a large office a place to work, but they present multiple opportunities for lack of consideration. If you're ever in doubt, talk to your coworkers about what you're doing – they'll likely be honest with you, particularly if they find your actions annoying.

Tags: career development, career tips

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