Making Fun of Work

If you have ever worked in a cubicle, served food to ungrateful patrons or just outright hated your job, you might be able to name at least one of the “cult-classic” movies that have satirized the United States business environment. I by no means claim to be an expert in this genre, but I thought this week I would highlight (in no particular order) some of my go-to movies when I need to end a long work-week with a good laugh about life.

1. Office Space: If you have ever worked in a cubicle, dealt with outdated technology or attended any sort of work party then I am pretty sure you will love this movie. This is my favorite movie on this list, not to mention one of the most quoted movies of my generation. If you haven’t seen it yet, you are in for a very funny time.

2. Nine to Five: This is one may be a bit on the older side, but there is nothing funnier than watching Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda take their boss hostage after being mistreated day in and day out at work.

3. Waiting: I have never worked in food service, but I have many friends who have. And while I am told there are a couple of exaggerated parts, I definitely think this movie captures the spirit of being a waiter or waitress. Plus, it makes you think twice before being rude during your next restaurant visit.

4. Clerks: It’s been a while since I have seen this one, but I am a massive Kevin Smith fan. Not only is this movie the first appearance of Jay and Silent Bob, but it does a pretty good job of showing how humorously depressing life can be when you are trapped in a dead-end job and lacking motivation.

5. Trading Places: Another older movie, but you can’t beat Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd teaming up to show their elderly executives that they are not disposable. Some of the other movies on the list contain some “adult content,” but this one is just plain funny.

These are just a couple of my favorites, but here is a list of the 50 Best Business Movies from businesspundit.com. Feel freed to add your favorites too!

Is your cubicle an extension of you?

Sorry for the absence, but I had to take a break from writing while I was finishing graduate school. Now I am back and ready to talk about decorating at work. A good friend of mine used to say that he didn’t trust a co-worker who didn’t have at least one personal picture in his/her office or cubicle. I generally agree, but as I look at the ever increasing number of pictures in my cubicle, I wonder when enough is enough.

Most of the time it is common sense – don’t put up pictures of you doing inappropriate things and don’t let it interfere with your workspace or environment — but I found some “decorating tips” from ayushveda.com and associated content that are helpful for those of us who believe that work is pretty much like a second home.

1. Your desk or cubicle should be an extension of you. Whether it is a colorful calendar, a cute magnet or pictures of family and friends, these items can help with motivation and “in low moments, you’ll feel much better looking at their pictures.”

2. Post motivational quotes. I am not necessarily talking about those huge inspirational posters, but I keep a list of quotes at my desk – some inspirational, some funny, and it is a nice break to read them over if I am having a rough day.

3. Bring in some green. Plants can make your office more colorful and peaceful. But if you don’t have the time or skill to take care of it, opt out of bringing it to work. There is nothing like a “gnarly dying plant” to bring down the mood or dissuade someone from coming over to your desk.

4. A candy dish or conversation piece to attract visitors. One of my co-workers keeps an M&M jar at her desk and people come from far and wide to grab a treat and chat. While work is the priority, having new visitors at your desk can help you make connections and build networks. It’s all about who you know these days.

There are a couple of don’ts in the office decorating world:

1. Don’t clutter your desk. There is nothing I find more distracting than sitting at somebody’s desk and seeing their cubicle and desk covered in pictures. I have a hard time focusing on them speaking and I can only imagine how hard it is for them to work around them.

2. Smelly stuff. Candles or aromatherapy may be an extension of you and can be relaxing, but be sensitive to the smells they produce. Not everybody likes the smell of freesia – or any smell at all, actually.

3. Leave the stuffed animals and wild photos at home. Again, I believe this is common sense, but depending on your work environment they can be unprofessional.

While I am not always the best at keeping the clutter at bay, I am always looking for items or ideas to brighten and organize my workspace. Feel free to make some suggestions on do’s or don’ts from your office decorating acumen. And just for fun, this site http://youcube.us/ has some crazy cubicle decorations – mostly don’ts in the cubicle decorating world!