Do you consider yourself to be a quality office-mate? And if so, would your co-workers agree? In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s sometimes possible to forget the common courtesies that office workers should provide. The list below is just a snippet of things that people –whether working in an office or a cube –should be conscious of.
Décor. Your work space is not only a representation of yourself, but of your organization as well. As long as you’re abiding by office policy, feel free to make the space your own, but be sure not to post or display anything that could be considered offensive. Along the same lines, your space should be kept as neat as possible. Think of the impression it would make on your board chair, organization president, or member if he or she were to walk in unannounced.
Volume. As someone who is naturally a loud person, I sometimes struggle with this one. Remember that both work-related and personal phone calls can probably be heard by those around you, especially if in a cube setting. This also goes for meetings and general discussions, so it’s a good idea for sensitive conversations to be had in a private setting.
Smell. This pertains to food and beverages, lotions, perfumes, cleaning supplies, and anything else that can easily be smelled from across the room. Everyone’s sense of smell varies, but this can typically be a big source of concern when a common space is shared by many people.
Privacy. Rather than barging into someone’s work space, always be sure to knock and/or announce your presence at the doorway. This might seem silly for a cubicle, considering there is no actual door, but it will most likely be appreciated.
These can be considered by many to be common sense, but a friendly reminder never hurts. What are some other examples that you think can make someone a quality office-mate?
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