Your work cubicle is not private office space.
You're right in the middle of things, everybody can see you, you can see them, and everything you display and say is out in the open. That's why we found some tips from Stephen Viscusi, author of the book On the Job: How To Make It In The Real World Of Work. Here's his advice if your home away from home is cubicle-style. First off,
- Don't overdo the decoration. You want your boss' opinion of you to be based on what you contribute to the job. You don't want him to think of you as "the lady surrounded by pictures of soap opera stars" or the guy with the collection of "Mr. Potato Head" dolls.
- Speak up when you're on the phone. Whispering in your cubicle only makes everyone around you want to listen more. But if you want a modicum of privacy, speak into the fabric panel wall, which will absorb the sound.
- Another tip when it comes to cubicle decoration, skip the campaign posters. Save the politics for the water cooler.
- And be aware of your stinkiness. Overpowering colognes or perfumes as well as pepperoni pizza or mu-shu pork might be turning your neighbor's stomach.
