Should One Decorate Their Cubicle At Work?

There are limits, though, on what you can do with your cubicle. While it's your space in the sense that you are the one sitting there, your employer owns it, and it's part of the larger office and has to reflect the image your employer wants to project.

A lot depends on what kind of employer you are working for. People working at internet start-ups can probably get crazier with their decorations than people working for corporate law firms. The best thing to do is just look around. What have your fellow cubicle-dwellers done with their spaces? You don't want your cubicle to stick out as being strange, unless you happen to be working in the rare place where strangeness is encouraged.

Another way to approach this is instead of taking your decorating cues from your peers, look to see how your boss decorates his or her space. This is a variation of the old rule that says you can increase your chances of getting promoted by dressing as if you already had the job that you want, not the job that you currently have. So consider decorating your cubicle as if you were already working at the next level up.

A very important thing to keep in mind is who can see into your cubicle. If you work in an area where clients, customers, or other members of the public will be walking by, then you need to be very conscious of the impression your decor is making. You need to make sure that it appears professional, and that it is neat. If you work in a back room or other environment where nobody except other employees enters, then you can be more relaxed about your decor.

Robin Thompson, owner of Etiquette Network and the Robin Thompson Charm School, says, "A cubicle is a representation of yourself. If you are inviting people into your office or cubicle, think about the impression they will receive." Just as people will form an impression about you based on the appearance of your clothing, they will also form an impression based on the appearance of your workspace.

Thompson says, "I have a friend who decorates her cubicle in a cartoon character theme. When you walk in, it looks like a child's room." This is not good. "The office," Thompson says, "is not your home. You should personalize your work area, but don't over decorate. You don't want to have a hundred photos of your family in your cubicle. One or two is fine and that's very nice.

"Don't overdo anything that is suggestive or offensive," Thompson says. "I know a lawyer who has swimsuit models as a screen saver, which is especially offensive because he deals in sexual harassment. It's more impressive to display awards or diplomas, something that shows your achievements and recognition. If you have plants, make sure you water them and keep them looking healthy. Look at how the top executives decorate their offices. A professional office is neat and clean, not cluttered or offensive in any way."