Cubicle Conventions
When it comes to working in cubicles, a little awareness of a certain set of protocols makes your work life easier
`OPEN workspaces and cubicles' concept dominates today's office environment. Those of you who are confined to cubicle workspaces can certainly vouch for the challenges they pose. The lack of four solid walls secured by a door can create some intriguing situations with regard to collegial interaction. However, some of you might think why on earth does anyone need to learn about cubicle etiquette? You might as well say that people would know how to conduct themselves just as appropriately as they would in public. If you feel so, you couldn't be more wrong.
Why should you follow cubicle etiquette?
Many people don't understand that the normal rules for proximity at work place still apply, despite the wooden/foam/fabric half-wall that has been erected to encourage privacy.
You still can't help getting to hear them on the phone - swearing at their kids, discussing medical problems, what to wear at the cocktail party and the like. Not to mention their singing to the music on their PCs for which they refuse to wear headphones. Also, these semi-walls are not impermeable to different kinds of smell. For such obvious and various other reasons, cubicle offices demand a special etiquette. Here are some tips:
Speak softly - Beware of your voice! A loud voice makes working conditions difficult for other workers as it disturbs their concentration level. Ensure you make a conscious effort to keep your voice low, especially while on the phone. Remember, speakerphones and cubicles do not match. While leaving your desk, ensure you switch the answering machine on.
Do not interrupt someone who's on the phone - Don't try to interrupt someone who's on the phone. Always wait until they are finished with their telecon before approaching them. Try not to use any sign language or whispering to pass messages.
Respect boundaries - Before you enter into a fellow dweller's cubicle, knock on the wall, err... semi partition. That gesture would give him control over the space, as you'd ask permission to enter before barging into his unbounded domain. Also, do not stand outside a cube conversing. Make it a point to converse either in your cube or in that of your colleague's.
Cut on loitering - Being in an open environment doesn't mean that you can always loiter around. Remember, you don't have any right to disturb others while at work. Also, remember not to help yourself at someone else's cubicle even if the stuff belongs to the company.
Eavesdropping - When someone next to you asks the other person any question, for which you know the answer, try to resist your urge to clear the doubt. Such a gesture, even though it is unintentional, would only reveal that you eavesdrop.
Get some exercise - Do not discuss things with your cube neighbour over the semi-wall. Send an instant message or email or get up and stick your head round the corner or use the phone to get the job done. By talking to them over the walls, you'd be disturbing all those others in the office.
Cubicle sharing - If you must share your cubicle, remember to negotiate some "house" rules. In order to give each other a little breathing space, arrange to take lunch and tea breaks at different times. Doing this will allow you to have some extent of privacy during the day.
Beware of smells - Do not wear too much perfume or aftershave. Keep snacking to a minimum as your cube neighbour will be forced to listen to all those crunchy noises your French-fries make.
Tidy it up - Your cubicle gives people around you an impression of the person you are. Make sure you keep it very clean and tidy all the time with documents arranged neatly in proper places.
Finally, remember the golden rule for cubicle etiquette - "If something bothers you when someone else does it, don't do it yourself".
ROOPA HEGDE
Roopa.hyd@cnkonline.com
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