How to Decorate Your Cubicle

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Go ahead and celebrate your individuality—just don't announce to the office that you're a lazy nut-job.

Step 1: No politics or religion
The first rule? Keep politics and religion out of the decor. You're at the office to do a job, not win converts.

Step 2: Keep collectibles at home
Keep collectibles at home. You need to be able to spread out your work without constantly having to upend your glass menagerie.

Step 3: Limit photos
Limit photos of friends, pets, and family lest your cubicle begin to resemble the celebrity endorsement wall of a restaurant.

Tip
Desk photos that face outwards make the statement that family is important to you.

Step 4: Buy plants
Buy some plants and take good care of them; studies show this sends the message that you are committed to your job.

Tip
To follow one of the principles of Feng Shui, have an odd number of plants.

Step 5: Get a clock
Get a clock. Contrary to logic, studies show it sends the message that you're meticulous and hard-working, not a clock-watcher.

Step 6: Place mementos
Have a few sentimental mementos around, like the snow globe from the place you got engaged. They tell visitors that you are an agreeable person.

Step 7: Put out bowl of candy
Put out a bowl of candy (unless, of course, you don't want colleagues dropping by). It's the office equivalent of a welcome mat.

Step 8: Keep area tidy
However you decorate, keep your area tidy. Research shows employees with messy workstations are rated lower on agreeableness, conscientiousness, and intelligence.

Did You Know?
According to one study, too many sticky notes send the signal that you're overwhelmed by your job.