I’ve never worked in a cubicle, so please excuse my ignorance on the subject. There’s a site that manufactures cubicle doors called CubeDoors.
It’s a retractable screen that you stretch over the opening of your cubicle much like a sideways projector screen. Not a bad idea, I thought.
Having an indicator to when you are not available is pretty important. Especially when you don’t have any doors! Closing things up could make more sure that you’ll have your own time and space to get down to work.
However, aren’t there some simpler ways to do this?
I was going to suggest a simple railing and a curtain, but I realized cubicles aren’t that high. I guess just a sheet pinned at the corners could work.
Are there any good ways to close off your cubicle? Or will you always be open to interruptions?
It’s Opaque! - [Cubedoors]
Why would you do this to yourself? I imagine it sends a very negative message to those who see it – you’re closing yourself off to communication and basically leaving them only 2 options of reaching you – phone and email, both of which are no good to urgent matters and talking over the “door” is probably not welcoming.
I imagine that if anyone tried this at my office, the perception of management would be that it was there to hide rampant internet surfing and other forms of wasting time. Management would subsequently instruct the individual to remove it directly.
I work in an office, and my cubicle mate and I discussed getting some yellow caution tape reading “Caution: Men At Work” to cover our cubicle opening…
I don’t see many companies allowing this. Employees need to be accessible. and visibility is important to management. I agree that it sends a message of “screwing around” that wouldn’t be taken well.
@Daria Sofiyeva: Most cubes are still short enough to where anyone who wants to walk into or around it still can, regardless of the door. It’s not closing yourself off to communication; it’s just closing yourself off from people actually entering the cube. Now if you’re wearing headphones, then you’d be closing yourself off to communication. (In my office/cube farm, several developers here wear headphones because we need the concentration). It’s still an open space. Besides, what’s wrong with phone and e-mail? It’s an office, not a corn field; anyone undignified enough in a business environment to yell over a cube to reach someone probably needs one of these doors, mini-sized, over their mouth.
@Cordelya: These doors are only 4′ high. Anyone standing could still see into your cube if they really wanted to snoop on your Internet viewing. Or better, they could just go to the system administrator and get a log of the activity coming from your computer.
Perhaps the key would be cubicle wall soundproofing if distractions are so HUGE an issue that we’re ready to install doors in 3 sq. foot spaces.
I don’t understand why people making over $50K are working in cubicles!?
Years ago I worked as a manager for small local VAR’s, and made a lot less than $50K, and I always had an office. (with walls and a door even) Heck even the managers at McD’s have an office! I just can’t fathom making 70-80K as a developer and working in a cubicle.
My cubicle has a sliding door that is the same height as the cubicle walls. It runs on a track attached to the neighboring cubicle wall. Basically, it resembles a sliding shower door. I love it.
If I were to put up a door like this for privacy, it would draw so much attention that I’d never get anything done.
I’ve never worked inside a cubicle so I see this as a waste of money. It does nothing but give you the “perception” of privacy.
V
A lot of engineers at my company have a sliding door to their cubicles – it’s the same height as the cubicle walls (5.5 ft?) and is whiteboard on both sides. Very handy for all.
Three thoughts:
1) Who invented this? Les Nessman?
2) Not effective for blocking sight or sound.
3) Is this a joke? The opening to my “cube” is about 15 feet wide (two desks sharing 3 wall, with one of the long stretches completely unwalled).
A couple of people in our office use curtains. (We have 5.5 ft cube walls.)
A number of years ago, management gave everyone a laminated “Quiet Time” sign. Most people put their sign on a guest chair which they place in their cube doorway when they need uninterrupted work time. Using a chair has the advantage of providing a place for incoming items.
Then, of course, there’s the option of simply leaving one’s desk when uninterrupted time is essential.
The entire point of having cubicles (as in, this is why they were developed!) is so that people work in groups, as opposed to being closed-off. Companies who promote cubicle workspaces are not cheap, they’re trying to get people to be more productive. In the end, they’re usually LESS effective because it’s easier to chat with each other, and people resent the distinct lack of privacy. But a little fake “make money quick” invention like this isn’t going to change anything.
The idea of this product is not to provide a “real” door like some suggest, but to give co-workers notice that “this is NOT the time to bug me.” Our co-workers think we’re always available, and most of the time that’s OK, but of course we need some uninterrupted time to get certain things done. That’s the whole point of lifehack.org, isn’t it?
In our small company, we set aside one hour each day as our “quiet time,” and we’re not to be bothered during that period (unless the place is burning down). Something like this product would be helpful in reminding people that it’s “quiet time.”
Then it’s a matter of holding the ADD staffers accountable to wait until the end of “quiet time.” You can imagine how hard that is for some people. Heck, I have a nice solid wooden door on my office, and I STILL get bothered with requests that could wait several hours … but some people can’t wait five minutes. Discipline, man, discipline.
I’ve been keeping my eyes open for a grass curtain to hang across my cube entrance. Not as a way to piss off my co-workers but as a means of gaining a bit of privacy. My cube is right in front of the department boss’ and if I happen to look out my cube I’m looking directly at my boss (Nervous smile and a wave..) A very popular boss at that so throughout the day their are periods where people will line up to get in there. Where do they line up? Yes, that’s right my desk. “How’s it going?” x30. Boss looks up and sees what a crowd of people at my cube killing time (Nervous smile and a thumbs up?) Thankfully the boss knows that half the time I take care of the issue and there’s one less person outside the office or I’d be seeing another door pretty quick.
I personally used a yellow construction tape that is used to rope off areas. I placed this across the entrance. People could still see in, thus satisfying the need to be able to view what people are doing and also not block my review mirror so I could see if someone was perching. :)
This was done so that people would know when not to come in and interupt. It was a means of stating – I am busy with something, please do not interupt unless it is of real importance. Too many times people just walk in without any thought to what others are doing.
Reason for cubes? Cublcles are cheaper: Same sq ft, more people.
For privacy, I sit with my back to the “door” and use headphones. On the outside, my quiet time hours are posted. About 35 people on our floor, and if your conversation is distrubing someone will motion to you (quietly and nicely to take it elsewhere. We do have soundproof meeting rooms.
In the office where there is no break room and you don’t want to be disturbed whilst eating lunch, or when trying to concentrate on something, this might be good idea but I know my management wouldn’t like it – although it is a non-subtle sign that I would like some quiet to concentrate sometimes!
I once heard a story about a guy who had a baseball cap by his desk – if he was wearing it, then you didn’t disturb him. I tried it once and everyone asked me why I was wearing a cap indoors *sigh*….however, next time they’ll know
If there is one key word for success it is COMMUNICATION!
Why an earth would anyone want to isolate himself in some closed box?
Instead, tear down ALL walls of your cubicle. Working in an open office has huge benefits.
Where would you masturbate in an open office?
Jin,
Where wouldn’t you? I mean it’s ‘open’ so hey, play the field!
[...] Remember WKRP in Cincinnati’s Les Nesman, who built an office for himself with masking-tape “walls” outlined on the floor? He’d have loved the Cubedoor, a cubicle attachment that creates a bit of privacy for the inhabitant. Designed like a window shade, the Cubedoor mounts on one side of cubicle doorway and slides across to the other side, where it attaches to a hook that keeps it extended. Result: a 32-inch-high opaque “door.” Almost makes me wish I still worked in a cube! The Cubedoor sells for $34.95 (plus a very reasonable 99 cents for shipping), but you’ll have to wait a while to get one: It’s currently on backorder. [via Lifehack.org] [...]
We have a hole in the top of the left hand side of the cubicle entrance which you can put a red flag if you want privacy.
Cubicle doors fail to really block off anyone in need of communication, I hate that arguement, people knock. Now we had signs that said “Quiet time, another associate would be happy to assist you” and “lunch break” signs etc without doors- and yet people stopped in. Usually not related to a pressing matter at all.
Even better are the people that despite the fact that your working, and have a quiet time sign up, and you have headphones on to try and dissuade it, people feel the need to pop in and tell you about the funny thing their child or their dog did. And if you have a big enough office, and your cubicle is in a main walk way- you know exactly what I’m talking about.
In my experience, they don’t do this when you have your cubicle door up. They do however knock for urgent matters, and I have never turned anyone away, and management has never failed to peak over the wall if they want to check up on your working.
I like the idea of having some kind of temporary barrier blocking the entrance of the cubicle, so long as it’s temporary and used infrequently (maybe at most once a day or whatever). People see cubicles as open spaces – they wander in, “borrow” office supplies and never return them, pick up stuff on your desk and look through it. Some of the cubes in another dept has doors, but ours doesn’t.
The way I see it, the whole point of the door is to force people to decide whether or not they really need to interrupt you or if they’re just bored, wandering through the maze and just want someone to talk to.
I miss the days of sitting in a cubicle… no, I don’t have an office (not anymore =/ ) – I get to sit in the reception area even though my job is not a reception-area type of job (I’m not a receptionist), so I get to be interrupted by everyone under the sun. Particularly by people who decide to have discussions in the reception area, about 1 foot from my desk, instead of chatting in their own office or workspace.
[...] [lifehack.org] – Not as stylish (or functional) as the sliding door in Topo by Metro, CubeDoor is one solution to [...]
@Daria Sofiyeva: FYI it is 2007 we also have things called instant messenger … imagine that – instant! If you have an urgent matter, there is this thing called YOUR VOICE. “Hey bill we have an urgent matter we need your help with.”
[...] read more | digg story [...]
I like it. I am a contractor at an extremely large site. Many people use signs attached with chains on each end with magnets to hold the chains. Generally they are used to indicate to housekeeping not to service and others not to intrude. I am not tied to my cube but, I like returning to an undisturbed work space.
I work am also a prairie dogger in the land of cubicles and am searching for a door. What I’ve found while in a cube is that people walking down one of the 5 isles to/from the conf. rm always look in as they walk by….some speak others just gauk. I’ve wanted to put up a sign that says “Please feed me!” I feel like a caged animal. Cubes are the worst invention…right up there with pantyhose and high heels! I work in a field that requires a lot of concentration and our bureau is right across from all the IT dept who are on the phones helping w/problems, in & out slamming doors, and talking amongst themselves across the walls. Professionalism is not high on the list of qualification here! Mgmt. can think what they want since they want…my computer is already set so no one can see it cuz I refuse to sit w/my back to the opening….worked in a prison too long & it makes you change things you do. Like a prev. poster said, if they’re that concerned with “internet surfing” they can run a log. If you’re already a slacker, you’re on their radar no matter if you have a door or not. Get one and yep, you’ll give them reasonable suspicion.
Whoever invented the cube for office environment should be made to sit in one for 10 straight hours and listen to all the personal conversations, interviews going on over the phone and just general business brainstorming from other people.
After having my own office for several years, my next job placed me in a cube. It is the most frustrating place when trying to concentrate on anything. No adding a door will not change this absolutely useless invention for a “better working environment”. Hogwash!!
I work in a cubicle, and I wear headphones to separate myself from the ambient noises. I use a rearview mirror so I don’t feel compelled to turn around every time someone walks by – I can see them standing and waiting for me.
I’m looking at a cube door so that I can unambiguously tell my coworkers – who usually don’t need my attention – that I am actually working on something (as an IT guy, it can be hard to convince non-IT types that what we’re doing is work), and they should send me an email, and I’ll deal with them when I get around to it.
No, the cube door (or curtain, or whiteboard, or…) will not block out sound, nor create a truly confidential environment, but it will maybe let my coworkers know that now is not the time. They can wait to socialize until I emerge to make myself a cup of coffee.
Here is what I think about cubicles http://behindthephoto.org/cubicle-workspace-is-not-for-creativity
I’m thinking of getting the see-through version. I would ONLY use it while I’m on lunch at my desk since seeing me eating with a newspaper open doesn’t seem to register to some that I’m on lunch.
I have a cube that is on the very end and not only next to the bosses’ office but also next to the entrance to the office so I get to play doorman and really have no privacy or means to gain some uninterrupted time that everyone one will understand. I get to play door greeter and area where spur of the moment meetings take place. So a door or screen to put across my cube would be extremely useful. Comments about being up to no good are really moot when you are trying to work.
Got to be open to interruption, well, female interruptions ;-)
Some of you have said you never worked in a cubicle and I can tell by your responses that it is so.
This isn’t for being closed off your entire shift, this is for concentration time while you work on an important project or just want some peace and quiet while you eat your lunch.
There ARE some other applications for this. I sit where the lights blare down on me all the time. It’s just too bright. Several other co-workers complain of the same thing. So, I’m thinking a strip of shade just over the part where I sit would nice. I’m researching this for all those who complain. And since nobody makes sensible shades for your cube, A strip of screen like this would certainly do the trick. All we have to do is clip mount it as a roof, rather than a door. No problems with visibility from management or giving off a hermit vibe. Just a little shade… then you can put in a lamp and create a little atmosphere for yoursef. Just a thought.
I work with a VERY unpleasant woman who has no regard for anybody’s personal space. She has her own office and a door but invades everyone else around her. Maybe if I had some sort of door she’d have to go to the shelf station at my cubicle and speak with me. I also have a light that flashes when I’m on the phone but because she won’t go to the front my cubicle, she never sees it. A door would help but the hospital I work at won’t allow any barrier as it’s “unsightly”. If I tell this moron to stop coming into my cubicle the back way, it will cause more tension/friction in the office.
Thats an interesting post. It was worth visiting your blog. Hope to visit again.
Maybe a pair of blackout curtain panels like http://lushlivings.com/store/#ecwid:category=376286&mode=product&product=2589385 might help? lol
Nesto, where did they get such a door?
If you sit in an office with the door closed, I wonder if you’re perceived as screwing around.
Neither a door nor a curtain would work in our office. Some people talk very loudly and visit most of the day. Some of us use headphones and listen to music but at times we can still hear their voices over the music in the headphones.
Hello,
Sure, we have several cubicle doors. http://www.clonecubicles.com
Our stardard doors are easy to install and you can order just one if needed. We also build custom doors.
Please check us out. THKS, Rick.
I do understand the frustration of noice working in a cubicle. I would rahter have a private office but that will never happen. :(
We saw a demand for some type of glass divider to add the the top of cubicle walls to control noise. Ours are also easy to install and look nice. We call them “panel top dividers”. Please check them out as well. http://www.clonecubicles.com
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It would be awesome if I could find these doors somewhere other than from CubeDoors. They apparently are not going to be in business anymore & these are EXACTLY what I am looking for. I cannot find them anywhere else & it is frustrating!! The website says to check back with them at the beginning of 2011…well, it is August of 2011 & they still are not running again :-(
I actually bought one of these doors. The problem that I had was that people would peak over or talk through the screen and ask me where I got it at in addition to all of the other everyday chit chat. I suppose that it is a workplace culture thing and people could not get enough of my dry humor. Anyhow I bought a CoworkerBgone cubicle door at http://www.coworkerbgone.com. That plus I made a point to let my fellow workers know when I was really busy; it has worked out well.
Working in a “cube farm” is becoming more and more common place. That you’ve avoided it speaks to either your line of work or your position. But at any rate, I wouldn’t recommend “hanging a sheet” for a door. That would be the corporate world equivalent of hanging your laundry in the front lawn or using garbage bags for car windows. Many business environments may have formal rules for your cube anyway. Better look into that before you buy anything for it.
A spring rod and a curtain may not be a bad idea, if it looks neat and tidy, but it would indeed probably be too low. How about one of those folding partitions that people sometimes use in their home decor? I’d also recommend a sign that clearly requests people to knock and/or announce themselves. It’s amazing how etiquette and common courtesy suffer in an office environment.