OCMETRO Magazine - Are you a cube rube?
1 year, 5 months agoOCMETRO Magazine - the business lifestyle magazine
THE EDGE, SEPTEMBER 13, 2007
For those of us who spend the majority of our days in fabric-paneled receptacles, we need to address and assess the "new rules" of cubicle etiquette.
First off, always be aware that the walls that separate you from your co-workers are barely more than imaginary. So everything you say, eat, listen to and project can be heard by others.
Try to keep your voice down. Of course it would be ridiculous to whisper to business contacts on the phone, but try not to speak overly loud. It is natural to speak roughly the same volume as the person you're speaking to, but try to be aware when that person is on a bad cell phone next to a construction site.
Keep your cell phone ringer low or on vibrate - trendy ring tones are over; go to a chime or a soft standard ring. Take personal phone calls outside or to an isolated area.
Be aware of smelly or loud food. It's difficult enough to eat healthy at work without worrying that your celery is too loud, but be mindful and chew quietly with your mouth shut, of course. Don't bring food with too much spice, garlic or onions to eat at your desk.
Never use a speakerphone (unless you're talking to the client/boss and he/she told you to so).
Don't yell out to the person next to you. Stand up and make eye contact before engaging in conversation to not interrupt their train of thought.
Be sensitive to your neighbors' work habits.
Though it's difficult, try not to listen to, or jump into, conversations over the wall that you are not a part of.
OCM Source: "No More Ramen: The 20-something's real world survival guide," by Nicholas Aretakis
