Cube Dwellers Beware of Decorating Don'ts
April 8, 2004 -- Work station, cubicle, panel system — no matter what you call it, one thing is for certain — it's not a private office space.
When Good Morning America asked viewers to show off their cubicles for its "Cubicle Challenge" series, they responded in droves.
But what many cubicle-dwelling workers don't know is that less is often better than more when it comes to your work space.
Top 10 Tips for Decorating Your Work Cube
Too Much Information: Don't let the "stuff" you bring into your cubicle define you as an employee. You want the boss to think of you in terms of your contribution, not as the "lady who collects Donny Osmond stuff" or the "Mr. Potato Head guy." It may be funny for your bedroom, but leave it there.
Speak Up: Whispering in your cubicle only makes people want to listen more. Ever try whispering at work? Anywhere? It only calls attention to yourself, and makes people think you have a secret or, even better, office gossip. Whisper only when you want to be heard.
No Neat Freaks: Too clean a work cubicle makes it look like you don't have enough work to do. Perfect the art of the "busy-looking cubicle." Bosses think a pile on your desk means you're busy working. Too empty or too clean a station may make it look like you don't have enough to do, and maybe even that you're not needed.
No Stinkers: Don't pollute the office air. Cubicles have partial walls, but they don't have doors or ceilings. Much like sound, odors travel too. That means don't over-cologne or perfume yourself, and the same applies to eating your enchilada, pepperoni pizza or moo-shoo pork at your desk. Nothing is worse than "smelling" your co-worker before you even see them. Simply be considerate of your co-workers' airspace. No Play Stations: It's called a "work station" for a reason. It's work! Bottom line: Your office work station — like your office computer, telephone and office e-mail — belongs to your boss, not you.
No Clutterbugs: Making too much of a "statement" by overdecorating your cubicle is simply a mistake. Competition to keep your job is difficult enough. Why be judged on anything but the quality of your work. Why distract who you are by having some "over-the-top" work environment. It's certainly not a place to hang your gym clothes to dry.
Talk to the Wall: Don't want to be heard? Talk into the fabric panel wall or tack board surface. It will absorb your voice. Never talk while facing your cubicles opening.
No Campaigning: It's your cubicle, not the New Hampshire primary! Politics have no place in the work environment. Stay clear of anything political or controversial, be it a candidate or an issue. If you need to express your politics, save it for the water cooler, but don't display it on your wall.
American Style: You can never go wrong by decorating with an American flag. Put one up wherever you desire. It's patriotic, and better yet, politically correct.
Not Too Sweet: It's not Halloween — don't attract trick-or-treaters. Jelly beans went out with Ronald Reagan. Don't attract visitors by being the "Chiclets Chick" or the "Goober Guy." Keep treats to yourself and don't attract unnecessary distractions.
*Bonus Tip: If you insist on a "decorative" cubicle, at least make it a boss-friendly themed environment. In other words, don't display themes (i.e., specific sports teams) that you already know your boss will hate. If your boss' dog was just run over by a car and your theme is "Monster Trucks," guess what? You're fired!
Stephen Viscusi will answer your workplace questions if you send them to Stephen@Viscusi.com Viscusi's syndicated radio show, On the Job, can be heard on a radio stations throughout the country.