There is no doubt you were always told to have good manners at school or in public, but what about at the office? Most people are unsure as to what the definition of being polite in the workplace really means. Sure, you were trained on how to interact with clients, but you most likely weren't given any information on interacting with coworkers. Here's your guide on having good manners in the office:
Be Mindful of People's Space
If you're working desk-to-desk with someone, you're in close quarters. You may have a desk that's overflowing with papers, files and personal items, but make sure it's on your desk, not theirs. Take the time once a month to spruce things up. Not everyone needs an environment that's spotless, but a little organization can improve your coworker's productivity without you even realizing it.
The same goes for lunchtime. Some people have incredibly sensitive noses, and the last thing they may want is to be smelling various odors while they're trying to work. If you can, try to eat your lunch in the break room or go out for lunch. However, it's not only helpful for the people around you, it's good for your brain, according to Entrepreneur. The mid-day meal is the best time to give your mind and body a break from all the work.
Remember: Everyone Else Has Deadlines, Too
Sometimes it can be easy to get caught up in your own work and forget everyone else has things to do, too. Try to remember the golden rule of treating others how you would like to be treated. You wouldn't want a coworker sending you a big project at 4:45 p.m., just when you're ready to head out for the day. Be respectful of everyone's time.
Keep in mind that people are more willing to help you out if you ask them. For example, if you sent someone a message and asking if her or she could take a look at the project whenever they have time, odds are, they'll be more responsive and kinder than you simply just emailing without an explanation. If you really need to speak to someone, do it in person. Face-to-face communication is less passive aggressive than speaking through technology, where it's hard to interpret tone through typing.
Feed Off People's Vibes
This can be a difficult thing to tie down, but it's important to pay attention to your colleague's mood. You don't want to bother someone when they're sick or are clearly having a bad day. On the other hand, if you know someone is having a hard time, you could do your best to cheer them up with coffee or a funny video. It won't always be so clear cut as a "do not disturb" door hanger, but the more you get to know your fellow employees, the more it will make for a happier office.
Stay at Home When You're Sick
Remember that you're not the only one at workplace. Some people try to fight sickness just by continuing on with their everyday life. However, if you go into the office with a cough or cold, you risk getting your fellow employees sick – which hurts the entire company. In addition, you could risk getting even more ill by not giving yourself the proper time to heal and rest. If you're feeling a little bit off but not completely sick, consider working from home – just to be safe. It's a happy medium.
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