Tips on Decorating Your Cubicle From www.jobweb.com
The New Grad's Guide to Decorating a Cubicle by Mary Lebeau
Welcome to your cubicle, the workplace of the 21st century. It’s your home away from home, the place where, as an average full-time employee, you’ll spend more than 2,000 hours in the next year. Usually it’s beige, gray, or another color equally as bland, with the standard desktop, a telephone, a color-coordinated chair and, if you’re lucky, a shelf or bin and some file drawers.
Were you dreaming of the ideal office, the one in the corner with the view of the park and the refrigerator in the corner? Well, wake up and face reality—but be assured you’re in good company. In the business world, most CEO’s and captains of industry began their own careers in a 10-by-10 cube. For most American workers, there’s no place like their cubicle!
Since you will be spending so much time in your workstation, you’ll want to “make it your own”—and that means decorating. So should you bring in your Beanie Baby collection, tack up your “Girls of Summer” calendar, or display your collection of American League baseball caps?
The answer is a resounding “no!” “Always keep in mind that you are at work,” says Kate Rauhauser-Smith, a reporter and a long-time cubicle dweller. “This isn’t your dorm or your bedroom and, yes, it does matter what you have in your ‘personal’ space.” After all, cubicles are nondescript for a reason—they’re designed for work. Nothing you put in your cubicle should distract you from that focus.
But that doesn’t mean you have to leave your walls blank and your shelves empty. “Personalize your area,” suggests Sharon Mann, an organizational expert at Esselte Office Solutions. “Personal touches not only create a sense of warmth in your work area, they also let others know exactly what space is yours.”
How do you determine what is permissible décor for your cubicle? Start by taking a look around, says Tina Miller, former supervisor at Wausau Insurance (which she dubs “the land of cubicles”).
“See how others have their cubicles decorated, and very specifically, see how your supervisor’s or manager’s office or cubicle is decorated,” Miller suggests. “Take your cues there. If others in your area feel comfortable with certain decorations, then go for it. If the office seems conservative, then refrain.”
It’s also important to consider who will actually see your cubicle. “If your space is in a back room somewhere and you never have direct contact with a client or customer, your decorating style can be a bit more relaxed. If your cubicle is in an area that clients pass regularly, be a lot more conservative!” Miller says.
Keep in mind the style of the entire office and the function of your particular cubicle, then follow these “do’s” and “don’ts” to transform your cubicle into your own personal—and very productive—work station:
Do personalize your cubicle with nicely-framed family pictures, diplomas, and appropriate, inspirational photographs. You may even want to create your own bulletin board on an inside wall to display these items.
Don't go overboard. Remember that in decorating, “less is more.” Instead of filling every inch with trinkets and souvenirs, choose a few special items to brighten your area. Your cubicle should resemble a professional office, not a teenager’s bedroom!
Do use plants to add color and life to your workspace. Make sure the plant is an appropriate size for the cubicle, and ask your neighbors about allergies before choosing your greenery. Replenish fresh flowers regularly, or use silk arrangements for an easy-care, hypoallergenic alternative.
Don't use anything that would cause distraction. “I had a picture of the Grand Canyon on my desk at my first job,” remembers Julie Costa-Malcolm, technical writer for Prescient Systems, Inc. “I would occasionally get lost looking at it and reminiscing about my trip there. Eventually I had to remove it to focus better on my work.”
Do add a piece that welcomes co-workers. “A conversation piece or something that people will think is fun encourages people to visit you and gives you a chance to get to know them,” Costa-Malcolm points out. Have one small brainteaser or novelty item on display. A candy dish is welcoming too—just be sure you’re willing to share!
Don't be offensive. One of the truest signs of professionalism is respect for people, be they your clients, your co-workers or your superiors. “Never put up anything that will impose on someone else’s rights,” Miller says. “In other words, no pin-up girls, no centerfolds, no fat jokes, no racial jokes, no ethnic or religious cartoons.” Not sure what someone might find offensive? Well, when in doubt, leave it out.
