CareerBuilder.com writer

Loud conversation, miniature basketball games, hollering across the office and a brazen lack of courtesy for other employees are eminent in today's workplace, replacing what used to be a quiet, work-compatible atmosphere. With 58 percent of American offices housing cube farms for employees, good manners regarding workers' home away from home is a must.

Check out the following questions from concerned employees about cube manners and how our experts weigh in.

Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com writer

Friday is, hands down, the best day of the workweek. Not only is it the last working day, it's usually in conjunction with pay day, summer hours and, if you're lucky, a casual dress code.

But how casual is too casual?

Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder.com writer

Supposedly it takes 21 days to form a habit.

I'm convinced, however, workplace habits take a little longer to break. The little annoyances -- like the guy who picks his teeth with your letter opener -- aren't what I'm talking about. I'm thinking of the bigger offenses that require a complete change of your mindset. They're annoying to everyone else and they're actually damaging your career.

Here are eight work habits you need to break now.

Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com Editor

From clever and practical to downright weird, we've sorted through thousands of knicknacks to bring you the very best of (sometimes) useless workspace tchotchkes.

Here are some of our favorite gadgets, doodads and novelties:

CareerBuilder.com

How can you avoid getting caught in this unproductive -- even dangerous -- spiral? Arbitrator and attorney Steven Menack offers these tips for avoiding and resolving workplace conflicts: