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So you can't get your work done because that annoying coworker in the next cubicle is talking on his speaker phone again, loud enough for everyone within a five cube distance to hear. It's distracting! And distraction makes you lose your focus. Without focus, you take longer to complete assignments or you make mistakes. Why can't everyone be as courteous as you in the cubicle environment? Or do you too make a few workplace cubicle faux pas' in this area? Read onward to find out.

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Five Tips for Being a Courteous Cubicle Neighbor

by Diane Domeyer, executive director of Office Team

Cubicles are configured to enhance communication among staff members. But while partitioned work spaces can increase opportunities for interaction with coworkers, as almost any administrative professional can tell you, the cube environment lacks privacy. Being sensitive to this fact will be appreciated by your fellow cube dwellers and make your job more satisfying.

Here are five tips that foster respectful relationships with coworkers and improve productivity when you are working in close quarters:

Be courteous. Before entering a colleague’s work area, always knock gently on the side of the entrance. This allows the individual to signal whether he or she can afford to be disturbed at that moment. If you see your colleague on the phone, return another time. If a matter is urgent, jot a note that you’d like to speak with the colleague once the call is completed.

Use your ‘library voice.’ In today’s deadline-driven workplace, administrative professionals must be able to concentrate on completing tasks without constant distractions. Whenever possible, use a quiet tone when speaking to coworkers or on the phone so you don’t disrupt others.

Curb casual conversation. Socializing in the office is a great way to build camaraderie with coworkers, but some topics are just not appropriate for the workplace. Not everyone wants to know about the strange blind date you had last night — and those that do shouldn’t be trusted with the details! It’s both unprofessional and unwise to spend more than a few minutes talking about your personal life during office hours.

Hit the right tune. You may work best when music’s blasting. But that doesn’t mean everyone else does — or shares your musical taste. Wear headphones whenever you listen to your favorite tunes.

Avoid cell phone faux pas. If you must leave your cell phone on during work hours, make sure that it’s always with you and that the volume is turned down or the phone is silenced altogether. And use a standard, professional-sounding ringtone.

Being a good neighbor is just as important when you work in a cubicle as it is on the street where you live. Courtesy, tact and empathy in the workplace will help you build productive relationships and foster camaraderie with colleagues.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Diane Domeyer is executive director of OfficeTeam, the nation’s leading staffing service specializing in the temporary placement of highly skilled administrative and office support professionals. OfficeTeam has more than 300 locations worldwide and offers online job search services at www.officeteam.com.