Fifeteen: Territory

We all need territory. Your personal space may be an office, a desk, a table or a cubicle. It is the piece of the workplace that you own. When others intrude in unwelcome ways into your space it is a source of stress. Or if you fail to recognize the needs of others for territory, you may find yourself with stress when you intrude. In order to reduce the stress associated with territory try these things:

• Define your personal space, even if it is only a shelf, and personalize it with pictures and other articles that matter to you.
• Express yourself about your space. If you don't want people going through things on your desk then say so.
• Find a place to retreat from all the hubbub of the modern workplace. Tell your boss and your co-workers how and when you will use it. Then do so.