An often underestimated but vital part of the modern workplace is the office storage room. It serves several important functions, from providing additional space to organizing supplies to storing documents safely. But its most interesting purpose may be that it acts as a liminal space for employees to interact outside of their normal responsibilities. In this paper, I will explore how office storage rooms can influence desire, hierarchy, and self-awareness.
Desire
Office storage rooms are typically hidden away from main areas of the office. This means that they are private spaces where people can act freely without being observed. As such, they become liminal spaces for exploring desires that might otherwise be repressed.
A worker who has been harboring feelings for their co-worker might find themselves alone in the storage room with them and take advantage of the situation. The lack of supervision makes it easier to engage in risky behavior, which could lead to an intimate encounter or even a sexual relationship. The possibility of discovery adds an element of excitement and danger that heightens the experience.
Hierarchy
Office storage rooms also serve as liminal spaces for expressing power dynamics. People who occupy higher positions within an organization tend to have access to larger and more well-equipped storage rooms. They may use these spaces to assert their authority by controlling what others see and don't see. This allows them to maintain hierarchical control while still participating in activities that would be frowned upon if done publicly.
A manager might use the storage room to store personal items that signal their status, like expensive pens or high-quality liquor bottles. By displaying these items, they subtly remind subordinates of their position of power.
Self-Awareness
Office storage rooms can help employees develop greater self-awareness. Spending time in this environment forces individuals to reflect on their habits and values. Workers may notice how much they accumulate over time and decide to purge unnecessary items. They might also recognize the impact of their choices on others, leading to a desire to change their behavior.
Being around objects that others deem valuable can inspire introspection about one's own priorities and goals.
Spending time in an office storage room encourages employees to consider their lives holistically, making them better equipped to handle challenges outside of work.
Office storage rooms provide important functions for modern businesses.
These areas also act as liminal spaces that influence employee desires, power dynamics, and self-awareness. Understanding these effects can lead to a deeper understanding of workplace culture and encourage more effective management strategies.
How do office storage rooms serve as liminal spaces for desire, hierarchy, and self-awareness?
Storage rooms are often seen as spaces that serve many different functions in an office environment. They can be used as a place to store supplies, files, and equipment, but they also have more complex meanings beyond their functional purpose. In terms of desire, some workers may see storage rooms as places where they can hide away from others and engage in secret activities such as smoking, eating, or even having private conversations.