8 Big Blunder
Cubicle Mayhem

Our personality can dictate what our office or cubicle at work looks like. It’s always interesting to walk through a workspace and see what people have put up on their walls. Decorating and personalizing our office space can be fun and a way to express ourselves but may not express how we want to be seen as a professional. A balance is needed between your personal and professional self. We are not suggesting that you remove your personal self. Just remember that others’ perceptions of your capabilities are more shaped through nonverbal vehicles. Your office space is just one of those nonverbal vehicles.

Ask Yourself These Crucial Questions

Who will see my office, and do I feel that it represents me well when they see it?

What does it say about me?

Is it distracting? Does it take away from my work?

Decorations

Keep them to a minimum. You don’t want them to be overwhelming when people walk into your space.

Make sure photos depict appropriate scenes.

Obey company policies.

Add a small lamp or a plant to personalize your space.

Organization

Keep your work area orderly.

Take time at the end of the day to return things to their correct locations.

Plan time each month to discard papers, magazines, reports, and other materials.

Sound Volume

Be mindful of your voice volume while on the phone or speaking to visitors.

Avoid using the speaker function on your phone when others are around your cubicle.

Use headphones or play music at a very low volume. The volume should be set so that others cannot hear the sound.

Wear earbuds if allowed; just keep the volume low so you can hear your coworkers if necessary. Be mindful not to overuse your earbuds because that makes you seem antisocial and unavailable.

Smells

Avoid wearing too much fragrance.

Avoid air-freshener products and scented candles.

Avoid eating foods that have strong odors in your cubicle.

Place empty food containers in larger disposals away from your desk.

Interruptions

Curb interruptions when you are faced with deadlines or trying to work.

Stand up when someone comes to see you.

Be clear on your time constraints.

Avoid facing out and avoid eye contact with others passing by when trying to get something done.

Eliminate phone and computer alerts.

Set the stage with others by encouraging them to use a calendar to schedule time together.

Let others know that, going forward, in an effort to make the most of everyone’s time, rather than welcoming interruptions or drop-ins, you will instead need to set up a time to meet in advance.

Body Language

When talking to someone in your cubicle, face your body toward him or her, not your screen. Be present and engaged.

Your office/cubicle at work, while your domain, is still a place of work. Keep your body language positive, open, and not too relaxed. For example, feet up on your desk is generally inappropriate.

Building relationships with your coworkers happens when you take time to wander around as well as let others into your workspace.