Work cubicle - hovel or haven? ©2001

          Many Christian workers whose workspace is a cubicle are often plagued with a sense of frustration and dissatisfaction with their environment. Rather than being an islet of inspiration, it is a den of depression. It affects not only your work, but also your lifestyle.

          Work becomes something you dread, rather than something stimulating and fulfilling. You spend your workday watching the clock in anticipation of getting out of there, instead of enjoying a sense of accomplishment at day's end. If you had a particularly stressful day it only makes matters worse. You are left edgy, tense and angry. That frustration can also show up in your home life.

          Snapping at your mate and kids. Biting the head off the deliveryman. Howling in protest over minor irritants. Barking at your neighbor's etc., you get the picture. Here is one solution that can change all that. Try doing a makeover of your office cubicle. With a little creativity you can turn that hovel into a haven.

          Make it a place where you feel comfortable and inspired. Where you can prayerfully meditate and peacefully nurture your ideas. Your well-being will improve immensely and your creativity will flourish.

          You spend a lot of time in your cubicle, in fact, almost as much as at home. Why not decorate your cubicle as you would your abode? Convincing the boss to allow you to do it is simple. Just telling them that the change will make you more productive will win any boss over. And most will agree to the décor scheme as long as you don't go overboard.

          First, decide if you want to paint or wall paper. Such inventiveness will probably only be allowed before or after work hours. But if you make the effort to spend some extra time to make the changes, it could pay off in untold benefits for you in the long run. Once you decide to go for it, be sure and stick with light colours and patterns. It will give you a sense of being in a larger area and will brighten your surroundings. That will make working easier on the eyes as well.

          Hang family pictures, diplomas and awards etc., and don't just tack them up on the wall. Frame them and make them part of the landscape. Give them the same honor you would at home. Show off your achievements, they are something to be noticed no matter how insignificant they may seem. Whether you won a cup at the charity golf tournament, or a blue ribbon at the church bake off. It will do you the world of good to show not only your boss, but also your fellow workers some of your hidden talents. It could also lead to unexpected job openings within the company.

          Say the boss sees that golf award on your desk. He says, "I never knew you were a talented golfer! I've been invited to a company golf tournament, how would you like to accompany me as a partner?" Here is your chance to schmooze with the brass. Helping the boss will not go unnoticed come bonus time either. It could also help you get a promotion.

          Erect a small bookshelf, or purchase a small bookcase and place it in an area that can be seen. Stock it with some of your favorite reading material. Imagine their surprise when they discover you read the Bible, The Poems of Robert Frost, Noam Chomsky's Propaganda and the Public Mind, or Lonely Planet - Europe on a Shoe String etc.

          Enjoy some music on your breaks. If you have a computer ask the boss if you can download a free music player. Most companies have restrictions on what can be done with the company computer. Assure the boss it is only for recreational purposes during breaks and not as a time waster. If allowed you can then download favorite tracks, or feed in your own CD's. However, there may be restrictions on the amount of memory you can utilize for music files.

          Next, buy some speakers to attach to the computer. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to attach. Nothing is as soothing as enjoying your coffee and muffin with your favorite tracks playing along. But if the boss, or the company policy does not allow the use of the computer in that capacity, bring in a small radio or portable CD player with a set of speakers. Sometimes music can break the ice between employees who may not otherwise converse. It can become a topic of conversation discussing musical styles, favorite songs etc.

          Playing games on your breaks is also a fun way to pass the time and there are some small board games available that can be brought to work. A cribbage board for one is an excellent way to enjoy your break and can be kept at the office. It is small enough to fit into any drawer. Check out what suitable games are available and that you enjoy.

          Inquire about bringing your own chair if it is more comfortable than the office one provided. Ask about installing a small microwave oven, fridge, kettle and/or coffee percolator. If not at your workstation, perhaps in the office room so all can enjoy their benefits. Some companies may even be willing to contribute to the costs. It doesn't hurt to ask. All they can say is no.

          Many work places also have security problems and this also adds a damper to bringing items of any value. But there are some inexpensive ways to secure your belongings. Installing locks on all your drawers is one easy way. All you need is a hand drill, screwdriver and a few cabinet locks. Another is purchasing a folding door or partition and attaching it.

          Check out doors for cubicles at www.cubedoor.com. You can also fasten a lock so that you can secure your workstation at night. It will protect your personal mementoes, treasures and other items and will give you a certain amount of security. No place will be completely safe, but these measures can certainly provide a level of protection from petty office thieves.

          There are many ways to brighten up your work area. With a little imagination, time and money you can transform your space into your own personal nerve centre of vision.

          So go ahead and start planning your office makeover today!