Violated at Work, The Death of Personal Space
More people, less space. It's a problem that the world is plagued with. Once you get to the office, a place where much of our individuality is stripped away to begin with with, we are left with precious little to call our own. Perhaps that is why I've been guarding my personal space a little more carefully of late.
There's nothing we can do about the sounds and scents that permeate our workspace, but we CAN protect the invisible bubble that most normal functioning members of society call their own.
First let's talk about anthropologist Edward Hall Jr. The one-time Harvard Business School teacher who passed away last year at the age of 95, defined "personal reaction bubbles" in 1966 as follows:
- Public space is greater than 12 feet from where I am.
- Social space occurs within 4 to 12 feet.
- Personal space occurs within 4 to 1.5 feet.
- Intimate space is within 1.5 feet
For the most part at work, I find that people respect personal space. In the elevator everyone scurries to the far corner. In the bathroom, no one usually yells over the stall walls. And at meetings, people normally leave an empty chair between two people when given the choice.
The problem I've experienced has to do with my desk.
If someone comes over to conduct business that lasts more than a minute or two, they will take a seat opposite me. But if they have "quick business," they will come around the desk - to my side - and stand over me. This puts them smack in the middle of my intimate space - and I’m NOT looking to get intimate with anyone…especially at work!
I've considered ways to block off the area, but it also serves as my only means to enter the workspace, making a road block difficult to implement.
Take a look for yourself...
Getting a new desk is out of the question and the majority of furniture has to stay where it is.
I could contact Brazilian artist Vivian Puxian and try to buy her Personal Space Protector (see video below), but then I'd need a new chair - and that's not an option either.
Other options:
- Let my personal hygiene go to hell
- Go on an all onion and natto diet
- Tell people that I'm Anthropophobia and tend to throw up when my space is violated
So I throw this office proxemics dilemma out to our loyal Jobacle readers. Any ideas on how to better protect my personal space in my current work area?
Job Vent
Reader Comments (2)
Yes, this is me, Vivian Puxian, the creator of the Personal Space Protector :)
Thanks for recommending my device.
You wouldn't need to buy a new chair if you had a PSP, but I think your problem can be solved easily and without it: I see something like a plant near a trash can (?) on the left side of the pic. If you could have a cord, thin chain or non sticky tape that goes from the plant (or better if there's a wall on the left side) to your desk, people won't step into your area anymore, and you won't need a device like my protector. You can use something like small plastic hooks on the ends, or rings, etc. Tie the ends of the cord you use (chain / tape / whatever you choose) in ring shapes that you can easily slide in / out the hooks. Or you can use velcro ends instead of hooks. Your choice. I can send you graphics if you want.
This system would make it easy for YOU to get in and out of YOUR area, keeping others off politely, without the need of saying anything. The thinner and cuter the cord you choose, the best it will look. You can even get something with little dark beads (or whatever else shiny and visible but discrete) like used for jewelry, that would look like "decoration" without looking exaggerated if you chose with good taste!
I hope this helps, let me know if you need more suggestions or graphics.
Cheers,
Vi P