Going to work is 100% better when you have great co-workers. And when you’re working in an open office space, there’s even more of an obligation to follow office etiquette. The way you take care of your space and the decisions you make during the day can really impact a lot of people sitting around you.
It can seem like a lot of pressure.
Although you can’t always make work better, you can certainly avoid making it worse for yourself and others. Here are some workplace etiquette rules to keep in mind.
1. If you finish the coffee, brew a new pot.
If your office offers free communal coffee, don’t be the person who leaves an empty coffee pot. Pay it forward by brewing a new pot if you’re the one to finish the coffee, or if it’s early and you notice no one has brewed coffee yet. No caffeine-starved individual would be happy to discover an empty pot. It’s just considerate to brew coffee if you notice there isn’t any.
2. Keep strong-smelling lotions, foods, and perfumes away from your desk.
This especially goes for open working spaces. If you’re eating strong-smelling food, it might not be a great day to eat lunch at your desk. And, if you want to keep a lotion at your desk, opt for something unscented or lightly scented.
3. Stay home (or work from home) when you’re sick.
Your presence just isn’t worth it if you’re putting everyone around you at risk for catching whatever you have. Be considerate and work from home or call out. You deserve a break, and those around you don’t need to worry about getting sick throughout the day.
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4. Offer to help before being asked.
If there’s a task you know you can help with or tackle, raise your hand ASAP. Volunteer for tasks before it becomes a, “Can someone tackle this task?…Anyone?” sort of call. Volunteering is better than getting picked out of a room of unwilling participants.
5. Ask questions.
It’s better to ask before starting a project than it is to do something entirely wrong and have to fix it later. Asking questions might seem annoying, but they can save you a lot of confusion and trouble later on.
6. Let your boss and co-workers know when you’re taking days off as early in advance as possible.
Sometimes things come up suddenly and this isn’t possible. But, if you’ve booked a trip that’s months away, let your boss and co-workers know which dates you’ll be gone. And, as the date comes closer, remind them.
It can also be thoughtful to prepare for while you’re gone by sending everyone any important files or emails before you leave and letting your team know what’s done and what still needs to get done while you’re gone.
7. Keep your desk tidy.
Avoid letting used coffee mugs and stacks of papers pile up, especially in an open workspace.
8. Take phone calls away from your desk.
Work-related or not, everyone around you doesn’t need to know your business. If your phone rings, take the call outside or to an empty room.
Also, use headphones or earbuds if you’re watching a video or listening to music. Be mindful of your volume.
9. Be friendly to new hires and interns.
It goes a long, long way. If you’re feeling particularly friendly, suggest grabbing lunch together or giving them a miniature tour of the office or nearby area. Think of what you’d appreciate if you were in their shoes.
10. Switch shifts if someone asks and you don’t have a good reason to say no.
Pay it forward. Plus, if you need to switch a shift in the future, you’ll have people who you can definitely ask.
