Workplace dos and dont's

WE spend a lot of  time at the office, and yet we still do not know how to treat each other when it comes to acceptable manners. In fact one etiquette expert writes that “nowhere are people more confused about manners than in the office.” The following advice should help to clear up some of  the confusion about proper office behaviour. It won’t be to your advantage to pass everyone in the building while heading to your desk, no matter how busy you might be. A friendly “hello,”and a smile to the security, receptionist, telephone operator or boss could create a good impression of you.

Of course, you don’t have to stop and talk at every desk. You can be friendly, but focused on your way there. Be careful not to rub people the wrong way by appearing to snub them in your haste to get down to business. Most people are sensitive and an unintentional snub is often assumed as done on purpose. In the elevator or while waiting on it, it is okay to strike up dialogue with a co-worker, but don’t pursue “old talk” with the boss unless he or she indicates the desire to go beyond the courtesies with you. When the elevator stops, don’t rush in ahead of the people in front of you — likewise if you are on the inside and are not at the front; wait until the others exit first. There are too many instances where people simply bypass others who were waiting patiently on the lift, and rush in before them, sometimes even blocking those who wish to exit. With a little more courtesy and patience, we will all get to where we want to go.
 
With respect to the opening and holding of doors, some confusion also exists. Have we not had doors slammed in our faces unexpectedly as we assumed the person in front — whether male or female — would have held it for us?
Even good-mannered men find themselves in a quandary at times on whether to let the door slam or hold it open for women. In the interest of simple courtesy  here’s what should be done:
• Whoever is first at the door should open it.
• Men and women should rise to greet a client or office guest, whether the guest is male or female.
• Both men and women should shake hands with the other, there is no protocol in the office for who offers his or her hand first.
Even if your instinct, whether man or woman, is to practise your outside-the-office manners in the office, don’t. For example, a business luncheon is not a date. A woman should not expect her companion to race to seat her, nor should he feel compelled to do so. She fends for herself, just as he does.

NO DIRTY CUPS
If you’re lucky to work in an office where food and beverages are still permitted at desks, don’t ruin the privilege for everyone. This practice has been banned in a lot of offices to ensure the longevity and safety of computer and other equipment and because of the downright unsanitary practices by some employees. The lunchroom should be treated as a community area and not your personal kitchen or dump. Clean, wipe and wash up after you are finished — crumbs, liquids et al. Remember, the maintenance employees were not hired to wash your dirty spoons and containers. Don’t overwork them unnecessarily.

Follow the simple rules of neatness and cleanliness and leave no dirty cups, spoons or plates at your desk or in the lunchroom. If you have an office and must eat at your desk, close the door. If your desk is in the open, try to eat when other employees are not around. And please, don’t answer the telephone with your mouth full. Throw everything away as soon as you have finished, preferably in the lunchroom bin rather than in the wastepaper basket beside your or someone else’s desk. If you must do so then throw away stuff in closed bag or container. Your discarded bananas skins or “bite-and-spit-out” sandwich bits are not too appeasing to the eye. If everyone drinks the coffee in the department coffee pot, everyone should take turns cleaning and refilling the kettle as well as cleaning the preparation areas.