Office Etiquette

There are no written rules in an office manual that states the social code that governs interaction and communication with co-workers and colleagues but there should be. Usually common sense and manners will take you far but I find that many people simply do not have either. For this reason I will share with you a handful that I find to be top on the list. While the list for office etiquette is endless, if you start with these you should do ok.

Do not send your co-workers chain emails. Just because you need to forward something to 8 friends in order to receive 3 years of good luck and you only have 2 friends does not mean you can use your co-workers email address to fill the void. It is annoying so stop it.

Do not take credit for someone else’s work. If you collaborated on a project with colleagues, acknowledge their contribution. If you practice being a glory hog at the office I can guarantee you that the next time there is a project that needs to be complete you will be out of luck finding assistance of any kind.

Do not clip your nails, pass gas, or pick your nose, ears or any other orifice in the presence of your co-workers. It is simply gross. And for goodness sake – blow your nose! There is nothing worse than listening to someone sniffle snot all day. I can’t believe I had to include this one but you would be amazed at the number of people who do this. I must add that even if you are not in the direct presence of your co-workers these activities should be left to your own bathroom. Office walls are not soundproof – we can hear you!

Please set your cell phone to vibrate. Nobody wants to hear “Mambo No. 5” or your son’s annoying whine for you to answer your phone set as a ring tone during a meeting or from their cube neighbor. It is also rude to answer a cell phone during a meeting or to look to see who has called if you set it to vibrate. Wait until after the meeting to check it. You’ll live.

If you work in a cubical do not put your phone on speaker. Your office mates don’t want to hear your conversations. While I am at it lower your voice, it carries. They are both distracting and annoying, again - stop it.

This last bit of office conduct is by no means any less important than those previously noted, it just happens to be the last one in this post - Answering other people’s phone conversations that you were not part of in the first place - “I heard you talking to Steve about ______ and I think…” Look, if your opinion is desired you would be asked for it but listening in and then trying to give your unrequested point of view is rude and grating.

Remember if you are polite, have common consideration for others and leave your disgusting habits home you will do just fine in the workplace.