Archive for the ‘Cubicles’ Category

Most of us slog away at our keyboards, hidden away in generic burlap office cubicles, with no idea of any other work environment. The folks at Pixar are here to ruin that for you, by showing you what their employees think is normal office life. How cool is their daily grind? Picture rooms full of cereal, with cartoon characters at every turn, and ping-pong tables fighting foosball tables for the most-fun office furniture award.

That’s reality at the company that brought you the Toy Story movies, Up, and Monsters Inc. And this is what your life would be like, if you worked at Pixar.

10. Superheroes Guard Your Office

Forget security systems. Pixar is guarded by the Incredibles. Which is good, because your coworkers would be actual monsters. Fortunately they don’t appear unless you’ve been animating for twelve hours.

9. Your Coworkers Are Actually Creative

And not just while making up excuses to stay home from work. (Seriously. We have worked with people who would call in sick with diseases that were cured 100 years ago.)

8. Buzz + Woody + Legos = Heaven for Toddlers

If all those movies about genius three-year-olds were true, this would be where they worked. We hope they’d wear tiny suits and ties while they worked, because that would be awesome.

7. The Lunchroom Has Connecting Flights to Anywhere You’d Want to Go

Could be a cafeteria, or it could be the coolest airport ever. Also, it’s totally possible that the roof turns into wings.

6. The Best Wall Art Ever

Eat your heart out, Successories. Animators make the only truly inspirational office art we’ve seen.

5. Pixar Will See Your Foosball…

…and raise you a ping-pong table. Seriously, if you add some beer, this office becomes the coolest bar we’ve seen.

4. Oh, Wait. There Is Beer.

This is not an official Pixar beer mug. We assume that they pass those out at the Friday Beer Bash, which is a real thing. (Seriously. It’s mentioned as a perk in the ad for interns on their website.)

3. If Your Coworkers Are Bad…

…you can feed them to the shark. How often would that come in handy in your office? And hey, there’s caution tape up. They can’t say they weren’t warned.

2. All the Cereal You Can Eat

Lots of offices offer, say, free bagels once a week, or a monthly pizza day. Pixar, on the other hand, has a giant room full of cereal, which is maybe the best thing ever.

1. Cube, Sweet Cube

Animators at Pixar work in cute little huts instead of cubicles. So in addition to working at one of the coolest companies ever, they work in cottages that are literally bigger and more luxurious than most of the apartments we’ve lived in.

Photo credits: 10. http://www.awn.com, 9. http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2367/1803870848_b2f2b045d0.jpg, 8. http://pixarblog.blogspot.com, 7. http://firingsynapses.com/, 6. http://www.dailygame.net, 5. http://oscartour.animationblogspot.com, 4. http://www.cafepress.co.uk, 3. http://www.joblo.com, 2. . http://pixarblog.blogspot.com, 1. http://www.boingboing.net

Google is the granddaddy of super-cool internet companies, so it makes sense that their office cubicles are slightly more awesome than the usual gray burlap and thumbtacks decor. After all, creative employees = tricked out cubes, as we’ve seen before. Most impressive, though, are the cube features that Google provides before its employees ever set foot on campus. Here’s what you can expect if you’re working for Google at one of their offices around the world:

10. Just Your Standard-Issue Office Equipment

Everything’s accounted for: keyboard, mouse, monitor, phone … lava lamp. At Google, even the most basic office cubicle is a little bit cooler than most.

9. The Wonder Ball Goes Round and Round

Even reception is fun at Google. Also helpful for receptionists who want to work out their core while they greet guests.

8. Proof That Google Can Tell the Future

Sure, those are probably just plain old glass paperweights. But let’s pretend they’re crystal balls. All those Google Doodles have to come from somewhere, you know.

7. This Must Be the Executive Lounge

You can tell because all the elements are present: bouncy balls, crystal balls, and a super-cool massage chair. If you add a lava lamp, it miraculously transforms from employee lounge to the CEO’s office.

6. Mr. Happy Balloon Head

This is cool, but also slightly disconcerting. And it’s another good reason not to work twelve hour days: At about hour eleven, this guy starts talking to you.

5. If You’re Bad, the Tubes Expel You Into the Parking Lot

On the one hand, the open office design means that employees can collaborate with greater ease. On the other OH MY GOD, THE TUBES, THE TUBES, THEY’RE EATING MY HEAD.

4. Sometimes You Eat the Bear…

…and sometimes the bear stares at you creepily as you try to work.

3. Cube Life on the Ice Planet of Hoth

They look like igloos, but these cubes are really more like tents. The padded walls diminish sound and also probably make employees whether they’re actually employees at will or involuntary guests.

2. In a Pineapple, Under the Sea

Employees at Google Zurich make like Spongebob Squarepants in their groovy pineapple-shaped cubes.

1. Double Google All the Way Across the Sky

Also from Google Zurich, these ski lift/hot air balloon pods blur the line between vacation and work time such that many Googlers probably can’t tell which is which anymore.

Image credits: 1. www.visboo.com, 2. Si1very’s Flickr stream, 3. www.sandesh.com, 4. InformationWeek, 5. www.rangkep.com, 6. www.oddee.com, 7-10. Si1very’s Flickr stream

If you need information on cubicles, then you need to know which companies are the best cubicle manufacturers around. The trick, of course, is identifying which ones are best – preferably without spending the whole day noodling around on the internet trying to figure out which ones are worth doing business with.

Look no further. Below, you’ll find the definitive reference guide for parts, service, and support for all the top cubicle manufacturers.

Allsteel Office Furniture

URL: http://www.allsteeloffice.com/AllsteelOffice
Address: Allsteel Headquarters
2210 Second Ave
Muscatine, IA 52761
Telephone:
888-ALLSTEEL 1-888-255-7833
Allsteel Headquarters 1-563-272-4800
Replacement Keys and Parts 866-274-7278 (toll free)

Bretford Manufacturing, Inc.

URL: http://www.bretford.com/
Address: Bretford, Inc.
11000 Seymour Avenue
Franklin Park, IL 60131
USA
Phone: 847-678-2545
Toll Free Phone: 800-521-9614
Fax: 847-678-0852
Toll Free Fax: 800-343-1779

CHINA RUNRISE INDUSTRIAL LIMITED

URL: http://www.china-product-manufacturers.com
Address: #8-10, Futian 4th district
Yiwu, Zhejiang
China 322000

Girsberger AG

URL: http://www.girsberger.com/

Email:

OFFICE COLLECTION
Sales: sales@girsberger.com
Service: service@girsberger.com

HOME COLLECTION
Sales: info@girsberger.ch

CUSTOMIZED SOLUTIONS
cs@girsberger.com

Global Total Office

URL: http://www.globaltotaloffice.com/gi_2009/
Address: Corporate Headquarters
17 West Stow Road
PO Box 562
Marlton, New Jersey 08053
Telephone: (856) 596-3390
(800) 220-1900
Fax: (856) 596-5684

Gunlocke

URL: http://www.gunlocke.com/
Address: The Gunlocke Company
One Gunlocke Drive
Wayland NY 14572
Telephone: 800-828-6300 (toll free)
Fax: 585-728-8350
Alternative Fax: 585-728-8351
Useful E-mail/Web Addresses:
General Inquires: guncs@gunlocke.com
Order Literature: gunlockeweb@gunlocke.com
Online Literature Order Site: gunlockeweb@gunlocke.com
Find a Dealer or Representative: gunlockeweb@gunlocke.com
Online Dealer Search: gunlockeweb@gunlocke.com
Website Performance Issues: gunlockeweb@gunlocke.com
Tailored Solutions: gunts@gunlocke.com

Haworth, Inc.

URL: http://www.haworth.com/en-us/Pages/Home.aspx
Address: Haworth, Inc.
One Haworth Center
Holland, MI 49423-9576
Telephone:
For more information call: 616.393.3000
To order a brochure call: 800.344.2600

Herman Miller

URL: http://www.hermanmiller.com/
Address: 855 East Main Ave.
PO Box 302
Zeeland, Michigan 49464-0302
USA
Telephone: 616 654-3000

HON

URL: http://www.hon.com/
Address: THE HON COMPANY
200 Oak Street
Muscatine , Iowa 52761
Telephone:
800.553.8230
563.272.7100

Knoll

URL: http://www.knoll.com/knoll_home.jsp
Telephone:
To contact Knoll Customer Service or obtain product information: 1-877-615-6655
For general information:  1-800-343-5665
To request a memo from KnollTextiles: 1-866-565-5858

Landscape Forms Inc.

URL: http://www.landscapeforms.com/en-US/Pages/default.aspx
Address: Landscape Forms, Inc.
431 Lawndale Ave.
Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Fax: 269.381.3455
Phone: 800.430.6209
Email:  specify@landscapeforms.com

The Mayline Group

URL: http://www.mayline.com/
Address: 619 North Commerce Street
P.O. Box 728
Sheboygan, WI 53082-0728
Telephone: 1.800.822.8037

Paoli, Inc.

URL: http://www.paoli.com/
Telephone: 800.457.7415

Skutchi Designs, Inc.
URL: http://www.skutchi.com
Address: Headquarters
Skutchi Designs Incorporated
1601 Lakeland Ave.
Bohemia, NY 11716
Telephone: 1-888-99DESKS
Fax: 631-218-4009

Spacesaver Group

URL: http://www.spacesaver.com/spacesaver.htm
Telephone: 1-800-255-8170

Steelcase (NYSE:SCS)

Atlanta, Georgia
Steelcase WorkLife Center
303 Peachtree Center
Suite AL-175
Atlanta, GA 30303
Telephone: 404-523-2201

Chicago, Illinois
Steelcase WorkLife Center
300 Merchandise Mart
Chicago, Illinois 60654
Telephone: 312-321-3720

Mexico City, Mexico
Blvd. Manuel Avila Camacho No. 24
Piso 11 Lomas de Chapultepec
Delegacion Miguel Hidalgo
Mexico City, DF C.P. 11000
Mexico
Telephone: 011-52-(55)-55-40-9916
Fax: 011-52-(55)-55-20-8586

New York, New York
Steelcase WorkLife Center
4 Columbus Circle
New York, NY 10019
Telephone: 212.445.8800

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Steelcase Inc.
1650 Market Street – 3rd Floor
One Liberty Place
Philadelphia, PA  19103
Telephone: 215-561-5331

Santa Monica, California
Steelcase WorkLife Center
1217 2nd Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Telephone: 310.633.2200

Washington, D.C
Steelcase
1121 14th Street NW  Suite 400
Washington DC, 20005
Telephone:  202.962.6760

Tennsco

URL: http://www.tennsco.com/
Address: Tennsco
P.O. BOX 1888
Dickson, TN 37056-1888
General Inquiry Phone Number: (615) 446-8000
Toll Free Inquiry Phone Number: (800) 251-8184
Toll Free Customer Service:  (866) 446-8686
Tennsco does not sell direct. To locate a dealer near you, please call.

USM Modular Furniture System

URL: http://www.usm.com/
Address: USM U. Schaerer Sons Inc.
New York Showroom
28-30 Greene Street
New York, NY 10013
Phone:  1-212-371-1230
Fax: 1-212-371-1251
Email: info@us.usm.com

Virco

URL: https://www.virco.com/b2c_virco/b2c/init.do
Address: 2027 Harpers Way
Torrance, CA 90501
Customer Service: 1-800-448-4726
Fax: 1-800-258-7367
Literature Request: Call 1-800-813-4150

Photo credit: allrefurbishedcubicles.com

Dilbert has been making office workers laugh for over fifteen years now. He’s the king of the cubicle, our avatar in comic format – not as well dressed as we think we are, of course, and utterly unable to iron a tie, but every bit as beleaguered by evil directors of HR and pointy-headed bosses as we are ourselves.

Mention a Dilbert cartoon to any colleague, and you’ll get a chuckle before you get to the punchline. He’s at his best, though, when he’s in his cube, both imprisoned by work and shielded, at least temporarily, from his colleagues’ prying eyes. It’s not a shock, then, that some of the best Dilbert cartoons take place in his cubicle.

10. You Can Check out Any Time You Like

Sometimes, with some Dilbert cartoons, it’s hard to remember whether you’re reading a comic or watching a documentary about modern office life. This is one of those strips.

9. The Bends

After years of working in a windowless cubicle, an innocent worker requests a move to new location, with natural light and a view of the outside world. Evil HR director Catbert grants his wish … at a price.

8. A Man’s Cube Is His Castle

This will seem totally normal to anyone who’s ever sent an instant message to her boss … five feet away.

7. What’s That Smell?

This is perhaps the only thing worse than that one guy in your office who always eats smelly soup for lunch.

6. I’ll Need a Business Case for This Business Case

Real estate is always a tricky business, even when the property in question is just a bunch of cubes.

5. He Outgrew His Container

They also say that taller candidates tend to become president. Maybe they outgrew a cube somewhere long ago?

4. There’s No Place Like Cube

So, this is like Wally’s version of a staycation, right?

3. That Idiot Is Whistling In His Cube Again

Like an ostrich, this cubicle dweller believes that if he can’t see you, you can’t see (or hear) him. Dilbert’s work-around solves the problem without getting into confrontation. Can we have an Alice for our office?

2. Phil de Cube. In Fact, Phil All De Cubes.

Nothing says success like an imaginary workforce.

1. The Cubes Are as High as an Elephant’s Eye

In our minds, the cube farm is right next to the toner cartridge vineyard and the graveyard of broken fax machines.

All Comics Courtesy of Dilbert ©2011, Universal Uclick

So you’re in the market for office cubicles. Before you run out and buy just any old set, do a little research. Office furniture says a lot about a company.

No, we’re not talking about research on which fabric for the conference room chairs best complements the CEO’s favorite tie or what what type of decorative fern can survive the longest without being watered.

We’re talking about your basic workstation. And when it comes to purchasing cubicles, size does matter.

Wall size, that is.

Here’s the low-down (or the high-up) on the three types of cube heights and what they say about your organization.

Low (42″-high walls)

Cubicles with low walls allow employees to see and talk to each other while seated. While this doesn’t afford much privacy, it does allow for a lot of collaboration and free flow of ideas. A company that goes the low-walled route likely fosters team work and creativity. The benefits include spontaneous brainstorming sessions and informal meetings about upcoming projects. Of course, not all employees sing Kumbaya to these wide open spaces. No walls means more noise  – from Ken mindlessly humming “Desperado” to Shirley’s 3 o’clock Doritos break — complete with loud crunching and finger-licking. And while the low walls allow for more conversation, that conversation isn’t always work-related. On the one hand, this may allow employees some much-needed respite from long hours staring at spreadsheets; on the other, you might be subjected to endless debates about whether Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez were worthy replacements to Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul on “American Idol.”

Medium (53″-high walls)

Picking medium height cubicle walls is the Great Compromise of office layout. Employees have more privacy — and by extension will have an easier time blocking out the office din to focus on work. On the flipside, all they have to do is stand to share a victory high five for landing a big client, or chat with their neighbor about that upcoming presentation or how annoying Steven Tyler is when he sings along with the people auditioning for the show (I mean really, it’s not called “Aerosmith Idol”!) And (bonus!) medium-high walls have the added benefit of forcing employees to get up and stretch their legs periodically — which your ergonomically obsessed HR lady will love. Companies furnished with medium-height cubicles might come across as being more formal and productivity oriented, compared with their free-wheeling, low-walled brethren.

High (66″-high)

High-walled cubicles are the Rolls Royce of office privacy. Even standing, employees cannot peer into each other’s office space, which allows for quiet, focused work without outside distractions. This layout is ideal for counselors or others who might need to have sensitive conversations on a regular basis and for people who have difficulty focusing in noisier office environments. The drawback to high-walled cubicles is that they could make an employee feel isolated and out of touch with their co-workers, managers and the organization as a whole. And while an employee has the cocoon of silence necessary to finish an assignment, they also might try to sneak in a little extra Farmville between memos. The most formal of the three options, high-walled cubicles seem suited to a more serious or conservative company that values productivity and discretion more than collaboration.

Now that you’ve done the really important work of building an office space, you’re free to riffle through carpet samples and pick a company refrigerator large enough to hold months worth of frozen dinners and yogurt.

In today’s offices, people are working closer and closer together. Even if you are “lucky” enough to work in a cubicle (versus at an open desk), a coworker in the cubicle next to you can still easily annoy you. Like it or not, there are some people who think that the thin cubicle wall somehow magically blocks all the noise that they are making.

Since the loud music your cube neighbor jams may be just the distraction you do not need as you put the finishing touches on a big project, addressing the issue may be a necessary evil. And since standing up and screaming at them to turn down the music is not an option (ah, if only it was), there are a few techniques you can try to squash the noise without creating an awkward working environment.

Do a quick self-check – First of all, take a moment to assess all of the events at hand. Is the music really that loud, or are you stressed, irritable or having a bad day? Make sure a volume adjustment is really warranted before addressing your coworker.

Hint around – In casual conversation with the offending coworker, subtly mention that the project you’re working on takes utmost concentration and that even though you’d love to be rocking out in your own cube, you simply can’t focus with music blaring. In the next breath, mention how dastardly the thin cubicle walls are and how you can hear Bob from Sales talking to his wife on the phone even though he’s three cubes away.

Grab the ‘phones – Get a set of cheap headphones, put them in your desk drawer and the next time your coworkers starts blaring music, you’re armed.

Have “The Talk” – If none of the other options work and you’re feeling adventurous, you can initiate a delicate conversation with your coworker about how their penchant for loud tunes is a bit distracting. Let them know that you respect their decision to listen to music and that you are not asking them to turn it off altogether, you’re just hoping for a compromise. Then, pull the aforementioned headphones out of your desk drawer and tell them that when you listen to music you usually use the headphones and that if they would like, they are more than welcome to borrow yours (just don’t forget to swipe them down with an antibacterial wipe afterwards!).

While pointing out any fault of a coworker could easily elicit a firestorm of office politics, another person’s habits should not interfere with the productivity of others. When it does, be it loud music, gum snapping, cell phones ringing, etc., it’s time to address the problem. Remaining objective, empathetic and even-keeled are the keys to compromise – and success!

Laughter is a great way to not only bond with coworkers but also lighten the mood in even the most serious of working environments. After all, being bored while at work can make a good day turn bad, on the quick. Thankfully, there are a plethora of great geek toys available at very affordable prices to turn even the dullest day into a fun and exciting time. Our favorites:

Mario R/C Car

With this fun Mario R/C car set, you can relieve a little stress by challenging your coworkers to a quick race. The itty bitty Mario and Luigi cars fit easily into your desk drawer when the boss walks by and can be purchased for only $25.99 from ThinkGeek.com.

Finger Drums

Fingers cramping up from all that typing? Set them free on a mini drum set and turn your cube into a stage. At first glance, this mini drum set looks like an innocent homage to your rocker ways, but flip a switch and they spring to life, allowing you to play until your coworkers can’t stand your riffs another minute. You can also record your best set and play it back to your heart’s content. Rock on! $24.99 from ThinkGeek.com.

Dr. Fart Keychain

You know that cubicle neighbor who insists on blaring his music loudly? Time to give him a taste of his own medicine by floating fake air biscuits all day long. Controlled by a handy remote keychain, melodious sounds of flatulence are but a button-press away. Ideal for revenge pranks, long and boring presentations and the ever-fun new employee welcome, this keychain will be the hit of the office. $4.99 at ZUG.com.

Disappearing Ink

With a myriad of hilarious options, disappearing ink provides loads of laughs on any given day. Invite a coworker into your cube and “accidentally” ruin his shirt with ink. He’ll have steam coming out of his ears, you’ll be rolling on the floor with laughter and within minutes the ink will disappear and you’ll be reveling in the delights of pranking. Your coworker, not so much. Only $1.99 from ZUG.com.

Shocking Stapler

Is your office so boring that it would take a jolt of electricity to liven the place up? The answer is here! Just leave this innocent looking stapler in any communal space (or if you prefer to target a particular coworker, that’s cool too), and watch the sparks fly. With a push of this stapler, a zap will shoot through your coworker’s hand and you and any witnesses will get a good hardy laugh. Just remember Prank Karma and keep your eyes peeled for any suspicious looking office supplies going forward! $7.99 from ZUG.com.

There are some people who feel that working at a desk all day should leave the body feeling relaxed and stress free. Anyone who works at a desk on a daily basis knows this could not be further from the truth. All that sitting results in tight and stressed necks, shoulders and backs, since working at a desk requires of the muscles in the upper half of your body to remain in use.

Looking for a little relief? Yoga is a great option for stretching the muscles and helps to relieve the strain and stiffness. Here, 5 poses that are so easy you can do them in your cubicle:

Bharadvaja’s Twist

Doing spinal twists help the body hydrate the discs in your spine, gives the discs more cushion between them, and makes the back and spine more aligned and comfortable.

To perform the Bharadvaja’s Twist, start by sitting in your chair as normal, making sure your feet are flat on the floor. Slightly rotate your body, bringing your left hand to the outside of your right knee. Continue to twist until you can glance over your right shoulder. Take deep breaths while in this position and make sure to remain still for a few seconds. Slowly rotate back to start and repeat on the other side of your body.

Seated Cat and Cow

The Cat and Cow pose will stretch out your spine and the abdominal and back muscles. Traditionally, the Cat and Cow are performed on the hands and knees but can easily be performed while sitting in a chair. To start, sit upright in your chair with your back straight. Round your back and place your hands in front of you on your desk, keeping them shoulder distance apart. Inhale and exhale in a slow and orderly fashion. Return to upright, then arch your back. Place your hands behind you on the seat of the chair and look straight up toward the ceiling. Be sure to inhale and exhale again.

Standing Forward Bend

Stretch your whole body with the Standing Forward Bend, which starts by standing up straight with your feet hip-distance apart. Exhale and then bend at the waist, stretching your hands toward your feet. Breathe throughout the exercise and hold the position for only a few seconds to avoid dizziness.

Half Eagle

Begin the Half Eagle exercise by sitting upright in your chair. Bring your arms parallel in front of you over the top of your desk. Cross your left arm over your right arm, bend the elbows and point your fingers toward the ceiling (the backs of your hands should be facing toward one another). Hold the position for a few minutes to allow for a deep stretch in your shoulders and neck. Switch sides and repeat.

Side Stretch

To do the side stretch, stand up straight with your feet together. Raise your hands above your head shoulder-distance apart. Bend directly to your side, making sure not to lean forward. Hold for a few seconds, then switch to the other side. This pose helps stretch the abdominal and shoulder muscles.

If you work in a green office or are buying a gift for someone who does, rejoice. More than ever, companies have responded to the green movement by offering environmentally friendly knickknacks, decorations and supplies that are long on style, but short on earthly impact. Here, a list of 8 great green decorations for your office cubicle and beyond.

Water Yourself Daily

Sawgrass Green Hydration Vessel, $29.95

This gorgeous water bottle will liven up any green office space in a flash. Designed to mimic the organic beauty of blown glass, this BSP-free bottle by KOR looks like a luminous green crystal sculpture. It’s also ergonomic and easy to use, with a regulated flow that minimizes spills and splashes. Added bonus: Sales benefit The Wetlands Initiative.

Greensleeves

GreenSmart’s Neogreene Laptop Sleeve, $24.95

A sleek and smart laptop sleeve that’s good for the environment is the perfect gift idea for the treehugger in your life. This sleeve, by GreenSmart, uses 25% less petroleum and 25% less energy than similar sleeves and is made without toxic adhesives like VOCs, chlorine and formaldehyde. What’s more, this sleeve is waterproof, light, durable and stylish. Plus, at only $24.95, it’s a fantastic deal!

Smooth Sounds

AON Box Speakers, $19.95

Add a punch of color to an otherwise boring workspace with these collapsible box speakers by AON. Not only are these great looking, but the speaker boxes’ outer housing and packaging are made with 100% Renewable Resources. They are totally transportable and are compatible with all iPod devices, Mp3 players, mutlitmedia cell phones, portable DVD players and portable gaming devices. Definitely a gift that keeps on giving.

Scribble and Share

Tag Business Cards, $14

Inspired by a businessman who ran out of his own cards at a dinner party, these business cards do their part to save Mother Earth by cutting down on waste. How many times have you ordered cards only to take a promotion or new job and end up with hundreds of leftovers? The Tag Business Cards by Up to You eliminate such waste and provide a quirky, memorable way to share your information.

Note To Self: Stay Green

EcoSystem Advisor Notebook, $10-$19

A beautiful and practical way to brighten up any office cubicle, the EcoSystem Advisor notebook helps you and yours keep life’s hectic schedules in check and provides space for note-taking, fact logging and more. Available in weekly and monthly formats, with several cheerful colors to choose from.

Beachy Keen

Beachworld Biosphere, $59.99

Bring a bit of the Hawaiian Islands into your life with this Zen-like biosphere by Beachworld. This little undersea “community” features tiny Hawaiian shrimp that are entirely sustained in their own little ecosystem by  heat and light. This is the perfect gift for those who appreciate that there are greater things in the world than themselve (plus, it’s gorgeous, too!).

Roll with It

Bamboo Roller Pen, $40

Bamboo is definitely one of the “it” materials for green flooring, cabinetry, desks and other home and office items, but it also makes for a beautiful gift, in the form of a roller pen. Let your green groupie show his or her affinity for saving the planet by toting around this practical statement of their commitment. Added bonus: With your purchase of the Bamboo Tornado pen, Retro 51 will make a donation to the Arbor Day Foundation to rescue 250 square feet of rainforest and the habitat it protects.

Clock It

Slate Wall Clock, $95

Assuming the boss is okay with a new wall fixture, this slate wall clock, made from used schoolroom chalkboards and reclaimed Douglas fir trim, makes for one striking statement. Greenies will love that these pieces are all handmade in Wisconsin and that each carries their own history and personality.

While gift-giving can get tricky, these products are all sure to please. Happy Holidays!

Decorating your cubicle for the holidays can really liven up your workspace (and your mood). For extra fun, make it a yearly tradition to have a competition between departments or employees for the best-dressed holiday cubicle. Need some inspiration? Read on.

Let There Be Lights!

Sometimes all it takes is a strand (or, many strands) of lights to get in the holiday spirit. Your boss may not love the electric bill, but your coworkers will sure love the display.

Your Job: What a Gift!

Even the dullest job can seem more exciting when it’s all wrapped up in paper and bows. And besides, in these times, even having a job is a gift in itself.

Santa’s Workshop

It’s hard not to picture shelves full of toys and the smell of Mrs. Claus’ cookies when you look at this Santa’s Workshop replica. Instead of a desk and computer, think of trains, dolls and Etch-a-Sketches.

Elf Yourself

Even if the “list” you’re working from is of the accounts payable variety instead of  Naughty and Nice, it’s hard not to feel a little elfin magic when you step into this cube. Maybe some of that magic will make your workload shrink, too?

There’s Snow Place Like Your Cube

This decor choice provides tons of excitement. First, all the snow, trees and wildlife figurines evoke feelings of a Winter Wonderland. Second, if you have two computer screens as in this photo, you can put “snow” on top of them to make “eyebrows.” Add the brilliant blue eyeball-esque screensavers and voila, you’ve got an instant Santa face. Brilliant!

Wrap Star

Although the chair might not be particularly comfortable to work in, you can’t go wrong with wrapping every square inch of your cube to make it look like your favorite gift. Add a few lights and smaller wrapped presents for extra flair (and don’t forget the gift tags)!

Green Tree

What a fabulous idea for the office that’s all about Mother Earth. Recycled ornaments, pop-up calendars and business card garland are the stars of this tree. What do you have lying around your office that could make for stellar holiday decor? (Just watch the height of your tree. Having one that’s so tall you have to pop a ceiling panel might not be the best choice, since letting in drafts is so not green.)

Chalet We Celebrate the Holidays?

If you’ve got coworkers that love the holidays too, band together to make a little string of skiing chalets, complete with pointed roofs. Don’t forget the icicle lights and “snowy” rooftops for that instant Wow! factor.

The Village People

If there is a Christmas village somewhere, this is what it looks like. Cute little brick bungalows topped with fluffy snow and trimmed with all the holiday decor one can stomach (giant lighted candy canes, anyone?) So cute and sure to win the office holiday decorating contest.

How Sweet it Is

Take care of your decorating needs and sweet tooth all in one. By using very inexpensive supplies, you can create your own gingerbread wonderland. Just be prepared for you coworkers to stop by for a treat (or steal a candy off your trimwork!)

Did you get inspired by these pictures? Have you decorated your own cubicle for the holidays? We’d love to see your pictures. Send them in and we’ll post them to our blog!