Nowadays, many entrepreneurs choose not to rent a large office space.
Rather, many enterprises work in a spare bedroom, garage, basement or
another one- or two-room office space. Many cost-conscious business
owners are even opting for an open-office plan where multiple staff
members work together in a large room.
It would be ideal if each
person could have his or her private office, but that is often
unrealistic and extremely costly. Therefore, to create peace and harmony
a few rules of etiquette should be observed.
1. Respect another’s need to work.
Just because others are
sitting nearby doesn’t mean they are available for conversation at all
times. Respect one another’s privacy. Act as if there is a door between
you and if they appear to be busy, ask if they have a moment to talk.
2. Be aware of smells.
Within
a tight space smells can be magnified, so use consideration when
packing your lunch or snacks. Try to eat meals in the kitchen, break
room or outside, rather than at your desk. Since many people have
allergies to scents, forgo wearing perfumes, cologne or strong after
shave to the office. Pay attention to your personal grooming as well.
Unfortunately, common sense is not so common anymore.
3. Keep noise and distractions to a minimum.
Noisy
conversations (either between workers or on the telephone) or habits
such as tapping on the desk, fidgeting or getting up and down often can
create an annoying distraction to those trying to concentrate. If you
want to listen to music, podcasts or videos, use headphones or ear buds.
4. Be tidy.
Your
messy desk can be a distraction to others and will detract from the
professional image your organization is trying to establish. Keep your
belongings confined to your own personal space and tidy up your
immediate area each day before leaving work. If you share a desk, be
sure to clear away any personal items like coffee cups and office
supplies.
5. Respect another’s space.
Just because
another’s workspace is within reach of your desk doesn’t make it common
domain. Treat each person’s space as if it was a private office. Do not
help yourself to anything on their desk or in their area. Ask first or
go to the supply closet if you need a pen or a stapler.
6. Don’t come to work sick.
When
you work in close quarters, it is easy to transfer germs. Stay home if
you are sick. It’s good hygiene to cover your mouth when you cough, keep
hand sanitizer on hand, don’t leave used tissues around, and wipe down
the desk, computer keyboard and phone from time to time to help prevent
germs from spreading.
7. Be considerate.
Respect
is key when working in an open-office environment. Act respectful and
expect others to act in the same way. Set rules of conduct and reiterate
boundaries when they are crossed. It’s best to address problems and
concerns directly and diplomatically before they escalate.
8. Be tolerant.
The
open-office environment brings together myriad personalities, with
different styles. Be tolerant of these differences and find ways to
adapt. Everyone is not going to agree with you one hundred percent of
the time. Keep an open mind, listen with the intent to learn and focus
on the positive aspects of your job.
9. Think like a team.
In
order to maintain a cohesive team, do not spread gossip, cause another
to feel like an outcast, or grumble about petty things. Hold regular
meetings to set goals, share ideas and talk about concerns.
Written by Jacqueline Whitmore-
Twitter.com/etiquetteexpert
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