I commute into the village from queens every day, and i leave my bike outside chained to a post. The only thing that i can say is that you roll the dice every time you leave it out.

If you don't already, buy a "New York chain" from kryptonite. It's about the only chain out there that can't be cut by hand-held bolt cutters. That and the U-lock is small enough to prevent the use of a jack to shatter it.

If at all possible, try to get your boss/company to let you store the bike in your cubicle/office/storage area, but if not, the above is a reasonably reliable solution as long as you don't leave it overnight.

good luck!

-chris