How to Use a Fan in Your Office Cubicle

Your cubicle is your personal space at work. Some people treat it as a home away from home, adding personal touches and decorations to make the cubicle feel more comfortable. Some people also use personal fans in cubicles to keep cool or to add a pleasant breeze throughout the workday. The fan might make your day more comfortable, but it might bother co-workers who sit near you. If you wish to use a fan in your office cubicle, take a few precautions first to ensure your fan does not bother others or become a distraction.

• 1

  Ask whether you are allowed to use a fan in your cubicle. Chances are it's OK to use, but check with your human resources staff just in case, or make your decision based on your company culture. If your office is laid back, then it is probably fine. But if your office is conservative and uptight, double check first. Consider asking those in cubicles near you if they object.

• 2

  Purchase a small, quiet fan. This fan is a personal fan; you should not buy something that will affect others sitting near you. A fan that is just a few inches in diameter is sufficient to cool your cubicle.

• 3

  Place the fan in a position where it blows on you, and no one else. Also, do not put it in a place where it will blow your papers or files around and create a mess. Use paperweights if you need to.

• 4

  Use the fan only when you need to. Turn it off each time you leave your cubicle to save energy and money.

• 5

  Ask others who sit near you if the fan bothers them after you've used it for a day or two. If it does bother someone, find out if it is the noise or the breeze that is distracting, and work to find common ground on a solution.