Business Etiquette for Cubicles
If you work in an office cubicle or are a receptionist in a corporate environment, it's important to learn all you can about cubicle etiquette. Following certain rules of respect that will make all employees comfortable can create an enjoyable work environment.
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Cubicle Decorations
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It is best to keep decorations to a minimum when working in a cubicle. It is acceptable etiquette to post one family picture or picture of one's children on the cubicle wall, as well as a calendar. Promotional materials with the company logo on them also can be attached to the cubicle wall, but these should be kept to a minimum. One or two of these items is usually appropriate, and keeps the cubicle from looking too cluttered. Too many figurines or candid photos are not appropriate in a professional setting, and can be a distraction when coworkers, or the boss, visit the cubicle.
Candy and Snack Jars
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Some employees like to keep a small jar of candy or small snacks on their cubicle desk, which is acceptable--as long as these employees are willing to share with co-workers. Appropriate etiquette suggests that employees with candy jars let colleagues know that they are welcome to the treats, so that people will not have to feel awkward by asking for the snacks. Behaving selfishly when it comes to candy and snacks could give employees a bad reputation in the workplace, as this gives the impression that said employee is not a "team player."
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Listening to Music
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If employees want to listen to music while in their cubicles, this must be done in a way that will not disturb other workers. Proper etiquette suggests that wearing headphones is best. If this is not allowed in the office, or if some employees in nearby cubicles would like to hear the music as well, it is acceptable to keep the volume low, as some workers prefer a quiet workplace.
Meal Times
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When eating a meal in a cubicle, it's important to bring food that does not have an offensive odor, such as onions or blue cheese. Since cubicles are positioned very close to one another, other employees will be able to smell the food right away, which can be very distracting. Also, "noisy" foods, such as potato chips or crunchy fruit, should be avoided, as hearing someone eat can keep others from working effectively.
Phone Use
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Cubicle workers should keep their voices low when speaking on the phone, so as not to disturb colleagues in nearby cubicles. Phone conversations that are not directly related to work should be reserved for after work hours, unless they are emergencies. Cellular phones should be set to vibrate during work hours, and cell phone use should be kept to a minimum.
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References
- Photo Credit Empty Office Cubical image by TekinT from Fotolia.com
