Sharing an office space is not easy for everyone. Depending on your personality type, there are certain things that can really ruin the experience. This is different for everyone, which is why it is important to be courteous towards your work colleagues and stay aware of their possible pain points.
To avoid stepping on your colleagues’ toes, here are a few unwritten rules to follow (in no particular order of importance – they’re all important!):
Rule #1: Be Time Conscious
Time is priceless. A full-time job leaves very little time for family or self which is why no one likes to work late. Be mindful of this and always try to make the most of your colleagues’ time. Keep to meeting times, especially if you are the one who scheduled the meeting. Don’t let other colleagues wait while you hog their time in the boardroom or meeting room.
Rule #2: No Sticky Fingers
No matter how well you know your colleagues, don’t take their food from the fridge. Always ask first, even if it’s just a drop of sauce or a sliver of cheese that you want to use. Also, remember to remove your old food from the fridge. Furry green food is a no-no in the office fridge and can be considered a health hazard.
Rule #3: Dial It Back
Your ringtone might be catchy, but after hearing it play a 100 times over, the novelty will wear off very quickly. Don’t change your favourite tune, however, switch your phone to vibrate or at the very least turn down the volume, especially if you step away from your desk or attending a meeting.
Rule #4: Keep It Classy
As tempting as it might be to purchase noisy office figurines or line your wall with funny memes, try to keep your office space professional. Some colleagues may find it amusing but others may take offence to it or get really annoyed by it. Consider your cubicle a small little piece of office real estate; keep it tidy and pleasant to look at. A photo of your beloved and a pot plant will do just fine. Save your offensive memes for a private moment.
Rule #5: Be A Nice Human
If you are really sick, stay home. There’s no point in going to work and sharing the stomach bug you’ve been bravely battling since last night. Rest up and get well, your colleagues will thank you for it later.
Rule #6: Turn Down The Volume
Are you in a sales job or call centre position and spend a lot of time on the phone? Yes, it might be part of your job but remember the office is a communal space, so keep the volume of your conversations at an acceptable level. It can be difficult for some colleagues to concentrate, especially if their roles are of a more technical nature.
Rule #7: Keep Your Private Life Private
It’s not uncommon for colleagues to become close friends, especially given the amount of time spent together. However, some conversations are better to have outside the workplace. You will get personal phone calls during office hours from time to time. Try not to have these conversations at your desk, rather take a short walk to a more private area. If, for some reason you unable to step away from your desk, keep the conversation short.
Rule #8: Eat Away From Your Desk
Unless you have no choice, try not to eat your lunch at your desk. The strong aroma of your food will either be met with hangry eyes or pinched noses. Be mindful of the fact that your colleagues may be sensitive to the mixed smells of food or might actually also be hungry but not have the time to eat at that moment.
Although ignoring these basic courtesies at work won’t mean breaking any real labour laws or a call to Human Resources, it will most certainly leave a bad taste in the mouths of those you work with and reflect badly on you as a member of their team.
On the flip side, if you’re a team player but the rest of your colleagues are not in terms of respecting your air quality and personal space, maybe it’s time to change jobs!
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