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Tip #66: “Less is More”
Avoid making your work area a shrine to all things personal, with every last wall or desk space covered in
paraphernalia. A few choice items just looks better than every last surface covered in something non-work related. It is tacky, too “busy,” and an eyesore. People will judge you. You’re also almost certainly in the minority with this and while it’s a trivial mistake, less is more.
Tip #67: “Avoid the Speakerphone at Your Desk”
No one in recorded history has ever wished they could hear both sides of a work phone call that has nothing to do with them. Many consider it selfish, distracting, and counterproductive to their own needs. Few things are as annoying. Hearing one side is a necessary evil, but hearing everyone on the other end, too? Do not subject coworkers to it, especially repeatedly. Trust me, you are getting nasty looks.
Tip #68: “Cubicles Are Great”
It’s tempting to criticize the cubicle because we’d all love an office, but the cube is far better than the open floor plan or a shared table. Not all cubes are created equal. Some have very short walls, are too small, or are situated outside meetings rooms or at busy intersections, where people often decide to hold impromptu meetings that you are forced to listen to. But it could be worse; instead of this being occasional, the open floor plan or shared table makes it a 40-hour week hell. Be glad for what you’ve got.
Tip #69: “Don’t Contribute to Noise”
Being a loud talker is a genuine offense in close-knit working conditions, but there are other ways to be noisy. Playing a radio at a desk is one, as are loud calls, or even a personal computer keyboard (to replace the office-supplied one) that makes a racket. But so is the impromptu meeting right over the shoulder of your poor coworkers at their desk, when it doesn’t involve them. Think of work like a library, though you don’t need to whisper.
Tip #70: “Amenities!”
Some buildings have more perks than others, like in-building (or nearby) restaurants, covered and paid parking, kitchens, lounges, breast-feeding rooms, and more. Try to scope these out during interviews, asking for an office tour afterward. Even the type of cubicle (or lack thereof) or the spacing can be an issue that will slowly impact your on-the-job happiness. Don’t forget a drive-by of surrounding streets and eateries to sense options for dining out.