Common Cubicle Courtesy: 12 Office Etiquette Tips Sure To Keep Your Co-Workers Happy

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Like it or not when you work in a cubicle, your privacy is limited. You must keep in mind your co-workers in the cubicles around you.

“Cubicle etiquette is a set of unwritten rules that exist in the workplace and help govern how people behave when they work in close quarters. Etiquette guidelines should be adhered to by both workers in the cubicle and people in adjoining work spaces, and many employees get very upset if these guidelines are not respected. One of the main factors in workplace etiquette is privacy,” reports Wise Geek.

Here are some tips for coexisting peacefully with your cubicle neighbors.

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Turn Off the Speakerphone

Do you really want the whole office to hear your every conversation? “A Bluetooth headset is far more preferable to speakerphone. Speakerphones are for conference calls involving multiple people in a room with a closed door,” reports Forbes. Don’t use speakerphones for one-on-one calls held in a cubicle. And we’re sure your clients probably won’t be so happy with their business details being broadcast through your building.

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Use Your Inside Voice

Keep your volume down when you are on the phone and talking to one another. “The person at the other end of the line can hear you clearly if you speak in a normal tone of voice and those in the office around you will thank you for your courtesy,” reports Forbes. If you think the listener will have trouble hearing you, reserve a conference room or step into the hallway.

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Respect Your Co-Worker’s Privacy

Although a cubicle is not an office with a door that you can close, it is still a private space. “Never enter someone’s cubicle without permission. Knock softly on the cubicle wall or announce yourself at their doorway. Then wait for a response — either verbally or via a nod of the head — from the occupant before entering,” reports Etiquette Trainer.

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No Sticky Fingers

You may be able to walk freely in and out of your co-workers’ cubicles but that doesn’t give you the authority to take items from their spaces.”Never ‘borrow’ supplies from someone else’s cubicle just because there’s no door,” reports Etiquette Trainer. There is no worse feeling to know someone has been in your space, and to have items missing or disrupted. So don’t do it to someone else.

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Don’t Spy On Your Co-Worker

When your co-worker is on the phone, don’t enter the cubicle unless she waves you in. Also, never read what’s on someone’s computer screen. Don’t peer over their cubicle from the outside to see what they are doing. Basically, don’t be a creeper. Respect your colleagues’ privacy.

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Scents and Sensibility: Keep Smells In Check

“One of the biggest downfalls to the cubicle is what wafts from a coworker’s desk. How often are we engrossed in a project only to have our attention derailed by the aroma of pad thai?,” reports Forbes. Keep in mind what odors may be wafting through your cubicle for others to smell. Not only that, keep in mind that your co-workers might be allergic to your perfume or other things that you might be taking the liberty to spray.

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Find Another Meeting Place

Keep the meetings in your cubicle to a minimum. The conversation will disturb your office mates. Instead, grab an empty conference room for your meeting. Plus, an alternative meeting space will keep your conversation confidential.

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Sound Barrier?

It really isn’t a good idea to listen to music in your cubicle unless you are wearing headphones. Also, try “to pick up the phone after one or two rings; and turn the ring volume to the lowest setting,” reports Etiquette Trainer. And, don’t use screensaver sound effects. They can be very distracting and annoying to others.

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Messy Eyesore

Your cubicle is in view of not only everyone in the office–including your boss–but also to visitors. A messy cubicle not only gives a bad impression of you but also of the entire office. If you lack storage, ask the office manager for file folders, drawers and other tools that will help you get neat and organized.

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Office Party?

Don’t socialize outside of someone else’s cubicle. They might be in the middle of an important project or on the phone. Take your socializing to the break room or wait to lunch to chit chat with your fellow employees.

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Don’t Overdo The Decorations

It’s okay to add a few personal touches to your workspace. In fact, studies have shown people are more productive when they have personalized their cubicles. But don’t overdo it. This is still a place of business.

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Visitor’s Hours

It’s okay to stop by to visit your colleague in her cubicle, but don’t linger. You might be interrupting their work. If you have a lot of personal things to discuss, invite her to lunch instead.

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This Isn’t Your Home

Even though your cubicle is our little personal place, don’t manage your personal hygiene there. Go to the restroom to floss. Do your nails at home–your co-workers won’t find the aroma of nail polish very pleasing. Keep you shoes on–it just isn’t professional to prop your bare feet on top of your desk. Anything that you would hesitate to do in your boss’ office shouldn’t be done in your cube either.

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12 Office Etiquette Tips Sure To Keep Your Co-Workers Happy