“What’s that smell?” “I can’t hear myself think!” “Can you turn that down?” “Did someone take my red stapler?” “My lunch is missing?” “What’s that green stuff in the refrigerator?” “Oh My! Please put your shoes back on!”
There are some things that just can’t be ignored when we are in close quarters if we want a productive and harmonious work environment. Unfortunately most people don’t have the luxury of a private office and of having all their co-coworkers be considerate. Whether its’ out of ignorance, social style, or culture, some actions bring productivity to a grinding halt.
What can we do?
How do you tell someone that their food, breath, or body has an offensive odor, or that their music or conversations are too loud, distasteful, or distracting without causing more contention and hurt feelings? I’ve heard stories where people have had others take their lunch out of the refrigerator and eat it, stood over them while they were having a personal conversation, and spoke to them in an unprofessional manner. Some leave a mess in common areas and make it unsanitary and uncomfortable to eat or meet there.
Do You Have A Cubicle or Workplace Story to Share?
Have you ever had to work closely with others and found it to be a challenge? I’m working on a course dealing with cubicle courtesy and would like to hear some of your cubicle stories and how you solved them if you did. Meanwhile enjoy the resources I’ve pulled together for you below.
- Rules for Cubicle Courtesy– Career Builders- (10Tips_
- Workplace Etiquette (Sound, Scent, and Sight) – (10 Tips)
- Cubicle Courtesy– By Chelsea Benham- (21 Tips)
- Workplace Ethics-Common Sense and Courtesy Aren’t So Common– Brian Carr (8 Tips)
- Take This Quiz: Do You Know Workplace Courtesy? – Job Journal Archive
- Courtesy in the Workplace– (25 tips)
- Office Manners– (over 40 tips)
- Seven Workplace Etiquette Tips to Build Teams– Rachel Wagner
- Showing Respect at Work (3 Basic Tips)
- Taming Workplace Incivility – Multiple Tips
I’m Barbara Talley, the poet who speaks and inspires. To find out more about me check out: What Does Barbara Do? or visit my website.
Welcome to Barbara’s Site 