Today, many businesses are utilizing the open floor plan
where the majority of employees work in cubicles set up in the middle of the
workplace, surrounded by offices along the perimeter. In such close quarters,
employees working side-by-side in cubicles need to remember one word - EMPATHY.
It means to vicariously experience or understand the feelings, thoughts, or
attitudes of others. Simply put, treat
people the same way you want them to treat you. Do not talk loudly while a
coworker is on the phone or gossip about coworkers if you wouldn't want the
same done to you.
When referring to relationships between coworkers,
Jacqueline Whitmore, founder of EtiquetteExpert.com said, "It's like a
marriage. It's the little things that get under your skin and mount up after
awhile." Avoid getting under your coworkers skin and the ensuing conflict by
considering others and follow these general office etiquette guidelines:
- Be
on time to work and scheduled meetings; do not sneak out early - people are
depending on you to get a job done in a pre-determined set of hours
- Adhere
to the organization's dress code; do not wear revealing or tattered clothing or
flip flops - it's important to appear professional because as an employee, you
not only represent yourself, but the organization
- Use
perfume and cologne sparingly - coworkers may have allergies or sensitive noses
- Be
respectful and friendly to everyone - good rule to follow in general
- Do
not tell offensive or dirty jokes - you will end up in HR
- Hold
the door and the elevator for others - another good rule to follow in general
- Use
your manners - knock before entering an office, do not interrupt conversations,
and say please and thank you
- Use
your indoor voice - talking loudly in open areas may disturb coworkers on the
phone, in a meeting, or trying to concentrate
- Use
a tissue and wash your hands immediately after coughing or sneezing - this is
the easiest way to prevent the spread of germs
- Avoid
chewing gum and popping bubbles - eat a mint instead
- Eat
lunch in the designated eating areas and not at your desk - keep your desk free
of crumbs and keep smelly food out of the main office area
- Clean
your own dishes and do not leave food in the refrigerator - the office cleaning
service is not responsible for kitchen maintenance
- Put
your cell phone on vibrate - it's distracting to hear various ringtones
throughout the office
- Do
not use your personal social media accounts - it's an unproductive use of
valuable time
- Do
not gossip about or criticize coworkers - no one likes to be talked about
behind their back and it's just not nice
- Take
responsibility for your mistakes - apologize to all parties involved and
correct the mistakes immediately
- Do
not whistle or sing while walking through the office - it's distracting to
coworkers
- Keep
your radio to a minimum - your favorite station may not be your coworkers'
favorite station
- Respect
your coworkers' privacy - do not listen to phone conversations
- Keep
your work area neat and tidy - treat the office as if it were your home
Do you have a story to share about an inconsiderate
coworker? Do you have any office etiquette guidelines to add? We would love to
hear from you!
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