Cubicle Etiquette
Cubicle courtesy is a set of unwritten rules in the workplace as defined by wisegeek.com. The website explains that people in neighboring workspaces should follow cubicle courtesy guidelines. The same guidelines can apply to public co-working spaces. If we all follow the guidelines below, they will help us stay neighborly and productive.
Privacy
Never enter someone’s cubicle without permission. Behave as though cubicles have doors. Do not enter before you have eye contact “permission” from the occupant.
Try not to sneak up behind someone in a cubicle. Announce yourself at the doorway or lightly knock on the wall.
Post a sign or flag at your cube entrance to signal when you cannot be interrupted. For example, when you are on a conference call or have a tight deadline. Avoid eye contact with people if you don’t want to be interrupted.
Don’t look over the tops of cubicles or peek in as you walk past each one.
Don’t loiter outside someone’s cubicle while you wait for them to finish a phone call. Go back another time.
Never read someone’s computer screen or comment on overheard conversations. Resist answering a question you overheard asked in the cube next to you!
Keep your hands off their desk. Just because there’s no door doesn’t mean you can help yourself with their paper clips.
Phones
Try to pick up your phone after one or two rings. Set the ringer volume at a low level.
Limit the use of speakerphones. Use a headset if available. If you must use a speakerphone, keep the volume as low as possible. Use a meeting room for conference calls.
Watch your volume when talking on the phone. A headset can also help keep your voice low.
When you leave your cubicle, turn your phone ringer off and let it go to voicemail or forward your phone number to your new location or mobile device.
Never leave your mobile device behind in your cube without silencing the device.
With personal or sensitive calls, be aware that your neighbors can hear your end of the conversation.
Talking
Use your “library voice”.
Don’t talk through cubicle walls or congregate outside someone’s cube. For impromptu meetings, go to a conference room or break room.
Don’t take clients to your cubicle to meet with them. Go to an office or conference room.
Don’t yell across the “cubicle groups.” Get up and move to the other person’s location.
General Noise
Use email or instant messaging to communicate silently with your coworkers.
Use a headset when listening to music.
Set your computer volume low and turn off screensaver sound effects.
Work out an arrangement with your neighbors to take lunch breaks at different times, giving each of you some quiet time in your cubicle.
Eat quietly. Avoid gum-popping, humming, slurping, and pen tapping.
Smells
A good rule is never to eat hot food at your desk. Food odors can bother your hungry or nauseous neighbors.
Perfume and cologne should be avoided in a cubicle arrangement. Your neighbors may have allergies.
Keep an air freshener handy.
Keep your shoes on!