Cubicle Etiquette

Some of you will read this because you are concerned about how your actions affect your co-workers. Others will read it just to confirm that you're not the only people who are stuck with these incessant irritations in your office. And finally, others will read this to pick up tips in order to annoy co-workers that much more. (But for that, I make no apologies.)

To avoid being "that person" who is the most irritating cube mate, remember that your cubicle is not private, there are no walls or doors, and your co-workers do not care that much about your life. Following are some of the most annoying, irritating, grating, and stupid things you can do in your cubicle.

Talk about your personal issues loudly on your cell phone. By being "personal," you would think people would actually be concerned about others hearing their business. This is not always the case. In the year I spent at my previous company, I heard about people's cancer, overdrawn bank accounts, divorces while pregnant, attempts at getting pregnant (complete with ovulation cycles), and political beliefs.

Play your music loudly enough that others have to listen to it. Just because you like your music does not mean your co-workers agree. Even if you have a co-worker that mentions he or she likes a particular song, it still does not mean you should play that song loudly enough for said co-worker to have to listen to it. Some people attempt to do actual, real work throughout the day. If they have to listen to your crappy music, the likelihood of completing enough work to salvage their jobs is drastically reduced. If you enjoy music, plug some headphones into your computer or listen on your own portable music device (again, with headphones).

Shout over the top of your cubicle to someone who is 10 feet away. With the modern convenience of instant messaging on the computer, it amazes me that people still shout over the top of their cubicles at one another. This is not only annoying, but it will startle anyone sitting within earshot. You have several options here. Is it really that difficult to walk the 10 feet to that person's cubicle and have your conversation at a less-than-deafening decibel?

Make and eat stinky food at your desk. I like a variety of foods, but I really do not enjoy smelling left over fish or Brussels sprouts. I'm not saying you can't eat what you want, just don't bring something that's going to smell for the rest of the day into the cubicle. Eat it in the lunchroom, even your own car, but not where others will be made to suffer.

Talk to someone while that person is on a call. If someone is on the phone, do not try to have a conversation with them. I have been on conference calls before when someone will walk up and start shouting over the top of the call as if whatever they had to say was more important to me than what I was already doing. If someone is on a call, come back later to have your conversation.

Oh, this list could go on all day, but these are a few of the things that annoy me the most while I am stuck in my cubicle at work.