Image Courtesy of Reddit.com
Creating Your Own Cubicle Paradise
Okay, so maybe the above image is a little ... too much; but it’s safe to say, if you work in an office with cubicles, your cubicle is where you’re going to spend most of day, so why not make it your own?
[With your supervisor’s approval] Creating your own work space can be as simple as putting up a few mementos, to designing a more productive environment. Whichever route you choose to go down, we’ve compiled a few tips to help you get started.
1.Walls and Floors: Add wallpaper or fabric to the walls of your cubicle. With most cubicles, you can easily tack or tape these items on without damaging the material. Place an area rug or a mat on the floor of your cubicle for a cozier, homier feel.
2. Upgrade Your Office Furniture: If you don’t like your chair, desk or cabinets, bring in your own. As we mentioned earlier, if you’re going to spend the majority of your day in your cubicle, it’s worth it to be comfortable. Invest in a new or used ergonomic chair, desk and mouse or keyboard, if you can. Or, see what comfortable furniture you have at home that you’re not using and bring that in.
3. Let There Be Light [and Temperature Control]: Light and temperature can greatly affect your productivity and mood. If your office is too dark for your tastes, bring in your own desk lamp. If you prefer mood lighting, relax with some flameless flicker candles or string lights. Temperature-wise, if your office is too cold, bring in a small, portable space heater. If it’s too hot, many camping stores and other outlets sell small fans you can place on your desk.
4. Living Things: Fight the drudgery of an office space by bringing some life into it. By that we mean air-purifying plants, flowers, fish tanks, small water ponds and other “live” mementos. If you don’t have a green thumb, consider getting realistic-looking plants and flowers to spruce up your space.
5. Accessorize, Don’t Clutter: Adding a few fun items like toys, pictures, books and trinkets can help liven up your cubicle and add to your productivity. However, going overboard with toys or any other knick-knacks can seem unprofessional and inappropriate for your office.
Before engaging in any “redecorating,” make sure you check with your supervisor and co-workers about office policies on such actions. People may have allergies to certain plants and flowers, while others may find certain pictures or wall hangings offensive. Creating your own cubicle paradise can be a wonderful thing that’ll enhance your time at work, just make sure you don’t break any rules.
