Run, hide, here comes a Cubicle Invader! They’re everywhere, in every type of workplace imaginable – they might be in your cubicle right now. Just look for the person, other than you, who is in your cubicle almost as often as you are, and you’ll know you’ve got an Invader on your hands.

Why have you been the lucky one chosen by the Invader? Who knows – maybe your cubicle is a temporary escape, allowing the Invader to hide, albeit briefly, from his boss and the responsibilities of the day. Or, maybe your cubicle has a better view, or better snacks, than that of your Invader – the point is, you’ve got someone who likes to hang out in your workspace, frequently, and usually without invitation.

Dealing with the Cubicle Invader: The best strategy for dealing with a Cubicle Invader is by not letting them invade in the first place. If you’ve got an office, shutting your door may be all it takes to get the job done. Otherwise, put a strip of masking tape across your cubicle entrance way for a “do not disturb” look. Don’t worry about looking antisocial here, as long as you don’t do this too often – plenty of employees have used this technique to keep folks out from time to time. But if you turn around in your chair and find you’ve already been invaded, do what you can to get rid of this person: “Mark, listen, I have got to finish this. Let me give you a call when I’m done, OK?” Be more direct if you have to: “Mark, go back to your cubicle, and I’ll find you when I’m done.”

Remember, Cubicle Invaders don’t understand concepts like personal space and boundaries like the rest of us do, so be straightforward. You don’t want to be too harsh or hurt anyone’s feelings in the process, but if you’re too nice, they might never leave, so strike a balance and move on. And while you’re at it, put the confidential papers away and invest in a file cabinet that locks, so you’ve got less to worry about when snoopy drops in for a visit next time.