Surviving the move into a cubicle city takes a good sense of humor and creativity. As with any move, a new environment brings new challenges. Conditions in our work area undoubtedly influence our mood, physical health, productivity and sense of calm.
Everyone in the office should model good behavior and expect it from co-workers. A lot of potential problems can be alleviated by just adhering to "common" courtesy. Even people with different work and personal styles can sit on the other side of the cubicle wall and still get their jobs done.
Design your space to fit your needs. Consciously organize your cubicle. Remove the visual "noise" that clutters your desktop. Designate specific areas for personal items and mementos and another area for on-going projects and work-related resources. Add your personality but keep it professional. Remember to think ergonomically in the setup of your office furniture and equipment.
Keep your work environment clean. Use spill-proof containers to hold beverages. Clean up any spills or crumbs daily. Dispose of any food refuse in the break area garbage can and not in the trash can near your desk. Take some time (at least once a week) to wipe down anything you use on a daily basis: your keyboard, your mouse and your phone. Don't forget equipment like fax machines, printers, copiers and other devices in common areas, particularly during flu/cold season.
Wash your hands. The single most effective thing you can do to stay healthy is to wash your hands regularly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when hand washing is not convenient. Always wash your hands after you sneeze, cough or blow your nose and after using the bathroom. Don't worry about appearing paranoid; wash your hands frequently throughout the day. However, it is not OK to spray your co-workers with disinfectant if they display symptoms of illness such as sneezing or coughing. Their symptoms may be related to seasonal allergies.
Take mini-health breaks. Exercise at your desk. Stretching, muscle strengthening and yoga can be done to work out kinks and stiffness that build up during the work day. Walk cube city when you have to get up to fax or pick up something from the printer. Remember to take mental breaks. Most people have those days when their last nerve is being severely trampled upon. The best thing to do is just take a breather. Get out. Go for a walk. Take a nap in your car.
Make healthy food choices. Start the day by eating breakfast. Fuel the body and mind to gear up for a day at work. Steer clear of vending machines. To combat mid-day slump and boost your metabolism, eat healthy snacks like yogurt, fruit, vegetables and nuts. Increase water consumption and limit your caffeine intake.
Don't make yourself at home. Work is not home. Employers want their employees to feel comfortable, but remember this is not your living space. At home, you want to create an environment that promotes relaxation and rest. At work, you need your space to inspire you to focus on the tasks at hand.
Use these workplace tips at your workstation to promote your health and well-being and to enhance your productivity and comfort. Additional health information on hand washing, ergonomics, nutrition and other workplace health topics, can be obtained from the U.S. Army Public Health Command (Provisional) Web site at https://usaphcapps.amedd.army.mil/hioshoppingcart.
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