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30 Tips on Office/Cubicle Etiquette

  • Don’t enter another person’s cubicle unless you are invited.

  • Don’t interrupt someone who is on the phone by using sign language or any other means of communication.

  • Think twice before interrupting someone who appears deep in thought.

  • Remember that speakerphones and cubicles don’t mix.

  • Don’t discuss a confidential matter in a cubicle setting.

  • Everything you say makes an impression on your “internal customers”.

  • Don’t make or receive personal telephone calls during the workday.

  • Don’t establish eye contact with someone when you would prefer not to be interrupted.

  • Bear in mind that your cubicle is a direct reflection of you. Keep it neat and orderly.

  • Stand up and walk towards the entrance of your cubicle when you would like an impromptu meeting short.

  • Avoid strong perfume.

  • Keep your germs to yourself.

  • Always hold yourself to a higher standard, no matter your job or your title.

  • Treat every employee with the same respect.

  • Mind your own business.

  • Never ever go over your superior’s head.

  • Obey your company’s business dress attire.

  • If you are having your lunch at your desk, make sure you’re not disruptive to others.

  • Don’t borrow items from other mates in the office without letting them know.

  • Avoid dating a workmate. Office romance is not just distracting to you but also those around you.

  • Don’t be a whiner who complains all the time.

  • Respect the privacy of those around you. Don’t read other workmates memos, notes or faxes.

  • Don’t borrow money. It can put you in a very uncomfortable situation.

  • Practice good hygiene but please not in public. Hair brushing, eyebrow plucking, flossing etc. should be done in the rest room during your lunch hour.

  • Avoid sharing office gossip. It hurts and could not even be true.

  • Don’t play music at your desk during business hours. If you have to, use a headset.

  • You can place pictures of your family, friends and relatives on your desk, but limit it to 4-5 pictures.

  • If you are late because your train or bus is delayed or there’s a traffic jam, call your supervisor to explain your tardiness. Never keep a client, or anyone else waiting.

  • Don’t drink too much at an office party. It should not be more than one mixed drink or a glass of wine.

  • Don’t tell off-colour or dirty jokes.

Thanks for your interest. Karin Schroeck-Singh

acrosstheuniverse
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acrosstheuniverse said:

Great tips Poshmonkey!

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  • Posted 4 months ago.
JohnPhilipGreen
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JohnPhilipGreen said:

“Avoid dating a workmate. Office romance is not just distracting to you but also those around you.”—Oh boy, Malgosia & I are in trouble on this one!

She and I are married and have been working together for almost 4 years! We have a joint blog called Married Inc.

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  • Posted 4 months ago.
Poshmonkey
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Poshmonkey said in response to:
JohnPhilipGreen
JohnPhilipGreen’s post:
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“Avoid dating a workmate. Office romance is not just distracting to you but also those around you.”—Oh boy, Malgosia & I are in trouble on this one!

She and I are married and have been working together for almost 4 years! We have a joint blog called Married Inc.

Then it seems that you might be one of the few lucky ones :-) All the best for the future to both of you. I discovered your website some time ago from twitter and was quite impressed I must say….

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  • Posted 4 months ago.
JohnPhilipGreen
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JohnPhilipGreen said:

I’d add a suggestion about meetings… you should always show up on time. The more participants there are in the meeting, the more wasteful it is of company time.

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  • Posted 3 months ago.
Poshmonkey
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Poshmonkey said in response to:
JohnPhilipGreen
JohnPhilipGreen’s post:
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I’d add a suggestion about meetings… you should always show up on time. The more participants there are in the meeting, the more wasteful it is of company time.

Well, this point is mentioned in the 30 tips on meeting etiquette. However, thanks for adding it, JohnPhilip.

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  • Posted 3 months ago.
JohnPhilipGreen
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JohnPhilipGreen said in response to:
Poshmonkey
Poshmonkey’s post:
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Well, this point is mentioned in the 30 tips on meeting etiquette. However, thanks for adding it, JohnPhilip.

Oh, I didn’t see that one! 30 Tips on Business Meeting Etiquette.

Thanks Ms. Posh.

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  • Posted 3 months ago.
KathyGreen
  • Authority 357
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KathyGreen said:

This list is excellent and should be posted in every office. Small things can make such a difference to the climate and productivity of an office. As I read it I had many faces in mind that have annoyed me over the years:)

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  • Posted 3 months ago.
Bonny
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Bonny said:

Indeed a good one! Cheers!!!

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  • Posted 3 months ago.
aroonmyself
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aroonmyself said:

given greate points congradulations

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  • Posted 3 months ago.
chelseaFC
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chelseaFC said:

Great stuff, I could not agree more

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  • Posted 3 months ago.
Meenug
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Meenug said:

good

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  • Posted 3 months ago.
chandra_avinash
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chandra_avinash said:

nice list….should get a printout and pin it up on mine

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  • Posted 3 months ago.
chandra_avinash
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chandra_avinash said:

One thing you might want to add -

“Keep your cell phones on SILENT”.

Its annoying when your focus is shattered due to an obnoxious ring tone – and God knows there is no dearth of irritating ones.

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  • Posted 3 months ago.
Poshmonkey
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Poshmonkey said in response to:
chandra_avinash
chandra_avinash’s post:
Citation Body

One thing you might want to add -

“Keep your cell phones on SILENT”.

Its annoying when your focus is shattered due to an obnoxious ring tone – and God knows there is no dearth of irritating ones.

Thanks for your additional tip, which I also mentioned in the 30 Tips on Meeting Etiquette. Maybe I should have presented the office/cubicle etiquette tips with the meeting etiquette tips and presented it in one lesson, rather than separating it. Thanks anyway.

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  • Posted 2 months ago.
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