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Welcome to your cubicle, the work place of the 21st century. It's your home
away from home. The place where, as full-time employee of a company, you'll
spend more than 2000 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.
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Were you dreaming of an 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!.
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As 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?
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The answer is a resounding "NO!" "Always keep in mind that you are at work,"
says 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.
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However, 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."
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How do you determine what is permissible décor for your cubicle? Start by
looking around. See how others have their cubicles decorated, and very
specifically, see how your supervisors or managers office or cubicle is
decorated. 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!
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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:
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DO's:
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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;
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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. Have one small brainteaser or novelty
item on display. A candy dish is welcoming too! Just be sure you're willing to
share!
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DONT'S:
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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!
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Don't use anything that would cause distraction.
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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. In other
words, no pin-up girls, no centerfolds, no fat jokes, no racial jokes, and no
ethnic or religious cartoons.
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