Cold and impersonal; this is how the office cubicle has been regarded and films like “Office Space” have taken it even further. They depict it as being pedestrian, intrusive, and confining.
How would you feel if you walked into your office every morning and found yourself in a small, lifeless space?
A cluttered desk with a gray, dimly lit wall would definitely make you feel tired and unmotivated.
But with the smallest changes in the decoration and arrangement of your private office cubicle, you can turn it into a positive and pleasant space.
Interestingly, with simple changes such as adding a small plant, choosing warm colors, or using appropriate lighting, you can create a different space that has a tremendous impact on people’s mood and performance.
It doesn’t have to be that way though. Creating your sanctuary is possible and you don’t have to spend a lot of money – just apply a little ingenuity and organization.
Here are a few ideas to help you get started:
Get rid of clutter
Just like clearing clutter at home; taking a little time to remove stacks of papers, staplers, lunch wrappers and other things that crowd your workspace will work wonders for your mood and for your attitude.
Create folders
You can take those stacks of papers and put them in folders labeled “Currently Working On,” “Completed Items,” or “Need to File.” You’ll be amazed at how this will clear your cubicle workspace and provide a little peace.
Organize
Whether it’s an in-and-out box or a filing cabinet, purchase an organizational system for your cubicle. Find everything on your desktop a home.
It’s okay to leave personal items on your desktop as long as they are not crowding your workspace.
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End-of-Day Cleanup
Many offices have a policy called the “clean desk.” Employees are required to secure and clear their desks by the end of each day.
Even if your company doesn’t require this, it might be a good idea to take it on yourself. Not only does it give you a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day, but it’s a great start to the morning and sets a better tone for your workday.
Lighting
This is one factor in a cubicle environment that can have a big impact on your mood.
You can add a little ambiance to the harsh fluorescents that constantly shine down on you by adding something as simple as a small lamp near your workspace.
Just make sure it is low wattage (40 watts) and that it shines on your work and not in your eyes. Some cubicle dwellers add little fairy lights on a chord to their cubes.
They are particularly festive during the holiday months.
Change of scenery
Create a little movement in your cubicle. Add a little fish tank or something like a lava lamp (you can still buy them, just be cautious in a conservative workplace).
Make sure to choose colors and lighting for the tank that create a soothing work environment. You can always request to move cubicles that will place you closer to a window or natural light.
Make it homey
Personalizing the workspace creates a sense of comfort and increases productivity in people.
Therefore, It’s okay to bring things from home; just make sure they aren’t going to add to the clutter.
Picture frames with family members or pets and a few knick-knacks will help your mood after a long day of being in your cube.
These objects not only make the workspace warm and friendly, but they also bring back pleasant memories every time you look at them.
Just remember the golden rule – less is more. You can also use stylish and colorful accessories like mouse pads, pen holders, and other decorative items to add beauty and charm to your desk.
With these simple and small changes, you can transform your workspace into a place that is not only suitable for work but also inspiring and pleasant.
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Add greenery
The cubicle environment can often be sterile so adding a plant or two (if you have room) will help lighten things up. Make sure to choose plants that are low maintenance.
A small pot can bring a sense of nature to your workspace.
Plants create a sense of freshness in the space and improve air quality.
If your workspace is limited, you can use hanging plants and hang them on the wall of your cubicle with a hook.
You can choose plants like cacti that are adapted to your environmental conditions and do not require constant watering.
Throw on some warmth
One complaint from women regarding cubicles is that they get cold. Bring your favorite small throw blanket from home. It will make your space more inviting.
This blanket will help you make your workspace warmer and more inviting, and make you feel more comfortable on cold days.
Also, the touch of a soft, warm texture can create a sense of relaxation and reduce stress in people.
Bring the outdoors inside
Putting up a poster or photo of your last vacation or one that you want to take on your cubicle wall will give you that extra incentive to push on through your work week.
Inspire yourself
Do you have a favorite phrase or image that motivates you or inspires you? Put it up in your cubicle. Not only will it give you that extra boost but you might inspire someone else!
Add a little peace
When it comes to adding things that make sound to your cubicle, make sure that you aren’t disturbing your neighbors and that you get the “okay” from your supervisor. Here are a few things you can add:
- A small water fountain that can be placed on a shelf. Some fountains are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. This can provide a restful sound.
- Sounds of the ocean or running water from a CD can help you deal with the stresses of the day. If you think your coworkers will be annoyed by the sound, bring some headphones to work.
- Add a little white noise like a small fan to your cubicle. This will help lessen the outside noises around your cube.
Bring your kitchen to work
Okay – not everything! Just a few items like a coffee cup and a plate or bowl. These will help you feel more at home and it will help with the environment by cutting down on office disposables.
Candy always helps
Bring a little candy dish and place it in your cubicle. Keep it filled with your fave afternoon treats – your coworkers will love it too!
Bring on the fun
Adding humorous items to your cubicle will help you pass the day.
There are calendars that you can purchase that have funny phrases or pictures of animals doing silly things.
Make sure that your humor fits in with the office environment and that it does not offend anyone.
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John Ofield is a recognized expert in the office furniture and office cubicle industry, with over 40 years of experience. As the founder of ROSI Office Systems, he specializes in space planning, custom cubicle designs, and high-quality commercial furniture. John’s expertise helps businesses enhance productivity and collaboration. He is also dedicated to mentoring entrepreneurs and redefining workspaces to inspire success.
