Do you work in a small cubicle with limited space? Do its drab colors and lack of creativity sometimes bring you down during the day? Do you long for a workspace that more adequately reflects your personality and the things that are important to you?

You are not alone. In February, Wired held its Saddest Cubicle Competition, in which readers were asked to send in photographs of depressing cubicle spaces. Leslie Katz called these photographs “soul-crushing.” And who can help but relate to the beleaguered accounting employees on NBC’s “The Office” who work at the back in small cubicles?

But this isn’t just fodder for jokes. In EHS Today, Donna LaMar and Betsy Laney drew a connection between drab working conditions and the growth of job-related depression. When people are confined for too long in unpleasant working conditions, they are more easily tired and unproductive.

Fortunately, there are some ways to improve your working environment. Recently, we spoke with Allison Perkins, the Raleigh-based owner of Reclaim Professional Organizing and communications and technology director for the National Association of Professional Organizers. She has many useful tips for making the most out of your office space:

What are some tips for making the most out of a small office cubicle space?

• Limit the amount of items on your desktop. With a small space, just a few items on your desk may cause it to look cluttered.

• Utilize wall space. Post your calendar and other documents you refer to frequently on your cubicle wall, so they will be easy to get to, without taking up precious space on your desk.

Many office jobs involve a lot of paper documents. What can an employee do to stay organized when cubicle space is limited?

• Try to keep from printing out emails and other documents unless you absolutely need to.
• Keep a recycling bin in your office and once a week do a quick scan of your space for any papers you no longer need and toss them in the recycling bin.
• Every three months, go through your files and recycle anything you no longer need.

What are some creative ways of personalizing a cubicle space to make it more pleasant and inviting?

• Choose a color scheme that you like.
• Hang photos or artwork that bring you joy.
• Clear off the top of your desk at the end of every workday. This ensures that, when you return the next morning, you will walk into a welcoming work environment.

How do you personalize your office cubicle?

More on Office Space from HalogenTV.com

1. 6 Workspaces That Promote Calm and Productivity