Cubicle Culture - your spatial, special working place - GWCC

Cubicles, the small chambers with movable walls, are designed to allow employees privacy in their work space. They are generally measured to meet the standard needs of the employees, yet some cubicles may be slightly larger than others. They are always highly visible.

Open Door Policy

Do you have an “open door policy?” If your office is a cubicle, then, visually you do have an open door, but you need your privacy too. There are many temptations to glance up as people walk by. Likewise people walking by are tempted to glance in. What is the proper thing to do…..

Practice Restraint

When you work with people so closely, the cubicle walls almost seem invisible. You simply have to practice restraint. When you walk by co-workers offices, don’t feel like you have to pop-in or even acknowledge that they are in their office. Consider their office door closed.

Do Not Disturb

In the cubicle world, how do you know if the virtual door is closed? Look for signals. Is the office inhabitant welcoming you into the inner sanctum of their office? If the answer is no, then, the virtual door is most likely closed. If there is a phone conversation in progress, do not enter. If they are meeting with someone, do not walk right in. Come back at another time. Honor the privacy of the virtual door.

Knock Knock

If you really want to follow the rules of etiquette, do you knock before entering someone’s space? Typically, no; but you can say “Pardon me, is this a good time….?” This shows consideration and thoughtfulness.

Increase your cubical skills by following this advice…..

1. Refrain from eating pungent smelling food at your desk.

2. Never clip your nails at your desk.

3. Do not use your speaker phone to listen to voice mail.

4. No prairie dogging….get up and go to the next office via the doorway.

5. Abstain from loud talk and whispering. Both are distracting.

6. Avoid pen clicking and tapping habits, the walls are not sound proof.

7. Silence offensive sounds.

It is spring time…open your virtual windows and enjoy the new season!

Joan R. Stokely (jrs@thesocietyofdiplomacy.com) is the President of The Society of Diplomacy, Inc., a protocol and etiquette consulting firm. We offer extraordinary training programs for corporate professionals who desire greater success in their careers. Increase your knowledge of business protocol and etiquette, your corporate image, international intelligence and social skills by attending programs specifically designed for you.

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