As a teen or young adult you may find yourself in a job where you are working in a business which encompasses cubicles. These small spaces are divided into office environments with very little privacy. It becomes a land where there is a lot of noise and many distractions. It is a very stressful situation that can be made worse by the way some people act.

There may be very few options to handle situations in this cubicle environment and, thus, a little “grin and put up with it” does come into play. However, to not become the office whiner, and to make the workplace a little more pleasant for everyone, here are a few things to check to make sure that no one considers you the problem cubicle worker.

Please do not use the Speakerphone for listening to voice mail or other conversations. This is very distracting and very annoying to anyone within hearing distance. The only way a Speakerphone is to be used is within a conference room or in a private office with the door shut.

It may seem silly, but knocking before coming into another persons cubicle space is a sign of respect for their privacy. No one would consider barging into an office with a closed door without knocking first, so those who work in a cubicle environment should have the same respect. Treating others this way will become infectious and soon will spread throughout the floor and make for happier co-workers. Asking permission to enter their space just seems to make everyone feel respected and produces better relationships.

Try to keep the tone of voice appropriate to the setting. In other words, use your “inside voice” as we tell our children. People generally talk louder on the phone for some reason and it is helpful to be reminded occasionally that voices can be lowered and everyone can still hear just fine.

There is something called “prairie dogging” that should be avoided in a cubicle environment. This goes along with showing respect like asking before entering the other person’s space. This happens a lot because people are in a hurry these days and they just “pop over” the top of the wall and start talking. When a lot of people are doing this in the office space, it does look like a prairie dog town.

The worker who follows these suggestions will keep everyone working in a more pleasant situation. Everyone deserves a little respect because everyone has to work to make ends meet these days. Having respect for your co-workers is key to having great working conditions and a much happier and productive group of individuals working in this “cubicle world”.