Office architects, planners and designers find the idea of modular work very attractive and practical. Cubicles make it easy for the owners to quickly reconfigure the workplace as and when required. They are also less expensive as compared to permanent fixtures. However, most employees tend to dislike working in cubicles as they feel a loss of privacy and personal space, and moreover these areas aren’t insulated from the noise and bustle of the office.
So here are a few quick tips for cubicle dwellers like you to help turn your cubicles into constructive and comfortable workspace.
Keeping distractions to a minimum
o When you are really busy and would not like to be distracted by your colleagues, just post a sign outside your cubicle. For example, "Have to meet an urgent deadline. Please send me an email."
o Keep your candy jars, joke calendars and other common distractions near the edge of the cubicle or just outside the cubicle entry.
o Don't keep dropping in on others without asking for their permission. It just gives others an open invitation to do the same to you. Handle drop-ins from uninvited colleagues either by standing, or stepping outside the cubicle and explaining you have got to get back to your work.
Keep the noise level down
Start using a personal headphone (if your office doesn’t provide you with one) so that you don’t disturb others when you feel like listening to Himesh’s tonsiled tunes while working. You can bet that others too would soon pick up on the idea. You can also approach your HR team and request them to distribute low cost head phones to the office employees. The most basic ones when purchased in bulk can be had for as less as Rs 60 a piece.
Privacy
o If you need to have a private conversation with a colleague or supervisor request him to join you in the private conference room.
o Maintain a proper locking drawer for storing all confidential information.
o Keep your computer password-protected, so others can’t use it without your permission.
o When you aren’t around it would be a good idea to leave a notepad and a pen on your desk. Many times people tend to wander into your cubicle looking for something to scribble a note on. Putting them exactly where they can be seen will discourage others to rummage through your desk to find them.
Time savers and organizational tips
o Keep your office neat and uncluttered. Small working quarters seem even smaller if they are cluttered.
o If your cubicle desk faces the office wall, hang a small mirror so that you can see the reflection of what’s going on behind you. By doing this you won’t feel the need to turn around every time someone passes you by.
o Purchase a couple of pin boards and get your office maintenance team to fix them in your inner cubicle wall. You can use it to pin phone directories, marketing pitches (if you are in the tele-calling department), or other important documents that you need see at a glance. Thumbtacks and tapes don't work on fabric cube walls, and posit notes start looking messy and shabby after a while. Velcro pin boards are inexpensive and stylish and will make your cubicle look organized and classy.
o Most cubicle offices are furnished with adjustable desks and chairs. If you feel that your chair or desk is too low or high, ask office maintenance to arrange the size of for chair ergonomically so as to avoid any discomfort and risk backaches and possible injuries.
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