Cubicle Etiquette
Working in a cubicle rather than a traditional office allows you to have some privacy while maintaining contact with co-workers. Because of your proximity to others, there are a few rules you should follow to make it a pleasant environment for everyone.
Other People Are Reading
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Lower Your Voice
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Sound carries well from one cubicle to the next. Speak quietly so you don't disturb your neighbors.
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Keep it Professional
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Save personal phone calls for a time when you can be alone; your office mates don't need to be distracted by details of your private life. Others passing by can see into your cubicle. Don't display any personal things that might be offensive.
Respect Neighbors' Privacy
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Even though cubicles don't have doors, act as if they do. Knock on the wall before entering. If you overhear a personal conversation, keep it to yourself.
Be a Good Neighbor
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Don't ask your coworker in the next cubicle to answer your phone while you're away from your desk, unless that's actually part of his job. Don't play your radio loud enough that others can hear it. Don't pop your head over the wall every five minutes to say hello or ask a silly question.
No Stealing
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If you pop over to the next cubicle and take the stapler while the occupant is at lunch, that's stealing. Wait until she gets back. Things in each cubicle belong there and are not public property.
References
- Photo Credit "my desk @ Oracle" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: dags1974 (Diego Cosenza) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.
