One complaint I’ve heard from several friends recently revolves around the dreaded office cubicle. Between lack of privacy and the feeling that you do not have your own personal space at work, cubicles can create a cramped and uncomfortable workday. We all know that unless you have four walls that actually touch the ceiling and a door that you can shut, you really don’t have much privacy. I’ve heard people complain about overhearing conversations that they really shouldn’t have been privy to, such as heated domestic quarrels and calls made to a doctor to explain some weird symptom that just won’t go away.
Yet many people in the workforce are destined to work in a cramped cubicle. Not everyone can enjoy that cushy private office, so what is a worker to do to get a little elbow room, some privacy and a feeling of being comfortable and ‘at home’?
First, never make personal calls from the cubicle. Easier said than done, I suppose, but if you really do think you could be pregnant and you don’t want the entire office staff to know, leave the building during lunch hour and make that call to your doctor while sitting on a bench in the park. The pigeons won’t carry your secret back to the office but your next-door cubicle neighbor just might.
Secondly, see if a conference room is available for important work related calls that require you to really focus. Sometimes it is difficult to hear and listen on the phone when so many other things are going on behind your thin cubicle wall. By just moving to a room with a door you might have a much better chance of taking care of business over the phone when you really need to concentrate.
Finally, to make the room feel cozy, bring in pictures, plants and other personal items. Cubicles are difficult because so many people can see right in; it’s like leaving the front door to your home open during the day and allowing your neighbor to walk by and stare at you as you talk on the phone, watch television and paint your nails. By putting up some photos and personalizing the space you will feel as you have some privacy – even if you really don’t.