Monday, January 10, 2011

Are You Aware of Your Rude Workplace Behavior?


Do you think other people in the workplace are rude? If you have a pulse, the answer is probably "yes," or "hell, yes." I've yet to talk to someone in the last 20 years who doesn't think workplace manners could be improved.

A recent story said that some concerned parents -- and even embarrassed employers -- are paying up to $400 an hour because young workers are committing so many social blunders in professional settings. Of course, we all know that texting is as common to young workers as breathing -- but others see it as rude.

Still, young workers aren't the only ones who are exhibiting rude behavior in the workplace.

So, I'm going to save you $400 an hour and give some etiquette pointers that anyone -- of any age -- should take to heart.

1. Don't leave the room in the middle of a presentation. Unless the kidney you've been waiting for has just arrived, stay put. The speaker has spent time and effort putting together the information, so you're obligated to stay in your seat.

2. Leave your cell phone off the table. You don't get to claim you're the next Miss (or Mr.) Manners just because you put it on "mute." We can see you darting your eyes to the screen to check for calls.

3. Be aware of confined spaces. If you're sharing a cab, riding in an elevator, traveling via airport tram, etc., be aware that others aren't interested in listening to you gab on your cell phone, whine about your bad knees or review the latest Johnny Depp film. The greatest gift you can give others who are jammed in a small space with you is some peace and quiet.

4. Keep moving unless asked to stay. Don't stop by a co-worker's cubicle and sweep papers off a chair so you can plop your butt down and dig in for a nice long chat. People get possessive about the their 4-square-feet of office real estate, and you should respectful -- don't even sit your coffee cup on their desk unless you've been asked to hang around.

5. Watch your posture. No one wants to look at the bottom of your dirty shoes when you plop your feet on a desk or table, nor do they feel comfortable when you're slouched in your chair like a drunk on a three-day bender. They also don't want to see you curled up in your desk chair, swaddled in a comfy sweater big enough to serve as a tent and looking like an 8-year-old.

6. Keep your shoes on. Seriously. Even if you're sitting at your desk. No one wants to look at your ratty socks or smell your nasty feet.

What are some other etiquette tips you'd like to see people follow?



2 comments:

Nimo said...

Amazed by your sense of humor!
H has rejuvenated the almost dead cells of my brain! (after 40 hours work week and 15 hours of communting time + a couple of extra hours of work from home!)

nimo said...

1. The moment you receive an email you call up the sender and ask them to summarize their email - whose got the time to read important emails
2. You did not take notes and you call up the sender again.
3. You call up again and check if you need to respond.
Please read your emails and if required call the person once and check all your queries in on go.