Trade Tips: Cubicle Etiquette 101

Helpful hints for public relations and marketing professionals

By Shannon R. Mouton

Follow these do's and don'ts of cubicle etiquette to maintain a professional atmosphere.

Cubicle Etiquette 101

Private office space is eroding and cubicles are here to stay. Some people think this makes teams more effective,

while others find it an invasion of personal space.  

Cubicle Do’s & Don’ts

Be Neat & Clean Your Suite

DO remember you are on display.

Keep your personal appearance and desk neat.

Leave Home, AT Home

Don't discuss personal or confidential matters.

Have sensitive issue conversations in a private office or on your cell phone during a break.

Keep it Down

Do turn off audio sounds on the computer.

Prevent a cacophony from happening in your area.

Use Your Inside Voice

Don't shout to colleagues over the top.

Walk over to the person you want to talk to, phone or send an email.

Do Not Disturb

Do let people know when you are concentrating and wish not to be disturbed. 

Have a series of signs you hang on the cubicle wall.

Knock First

Don't barge into cubicles.

Knock on the inside of the cubicle wall and even say "knock, knock" or ask "Is this a good time to interrupt?"

Make an Investment

Do invest in high-quality headphones.

These can block out extraneous noise.

Keep Speaker Use to a Minimum

Don't use the speakerphone.

Listening to music while on hold or recorded messages can be very annoying to others in the office.

Eat Away From Your Desk

Don’t eat lunch at your desk.

You might love your leftover garlic seafood stew, but smelly foods can be bothersome to people sitting nearby.

Hold the Treats

Do remember that candies attract visitors.

It’s nice to be nice, but do you really need the interruptions?

Cubicle Do’s & Don’ts

To learn more about McKinney & Associates, visit www.mckpr.com

McKinney & Associates was founded in 1990 with a commitment to social justice that has prevailed for more than 20 years. From the

beginning, McKinney has passionately and skillfully practiced public relations with a conscience for local, national and international

organizations.

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