It’s no secret that office environments have changed, especially in terms of open office etiquette over the last 20 years or so. One needs to only watch the movie “Office Space” followed by the movie “The Intern” to see just how much. Office cultures are in constant flux. With a growing interest in collaboration, influences from Silicon Valley, and many corporations opting for a flatter corporate structure, companies are knocking down walls and installing treadmill desks, collaboration rooms, and nap spaces. Improve team collaboration by joining our 5 Behaviors of a Cohesive Team workshop.
There’s no denying it – the open office environment has arrived and appears to be here to stay, at least for now. In many ways, this new environment offers a plethora of positive outcomes, such as higher transparency, more willingness to collaborate, and higher levels of accountability. However, this big shift can come with a host of negative consequences as well, namely employees not adjusting “adequately” to their new surroundings.
In this post, we’ve highlighted the top ten open-plan office etiquette rules that need to be taken into consideration for employees moving into a new office space. Here are the open space office rules:
1. Keep short visits, well, short
All too often, in this environment, there is an urge to simply yell out a question to a colleague across the room. This is rude and distracting to others! If you need to talk to a colleague, go to where they are. In addition, keep it short – there are others around, and your conversation can act as a distraction to them.
2. No egg salad for lunch, please
Many business professionals these days do not have a proper lunch but rather eat at their desks. That is fine, but remember, it’s not just you who has to deal with the *fragrant* egg salad sandwich you brought.
3. It may be your desk, but it’s not your desk
When you had your own office, you had photos, tchotchkes, and bobbleheads lining your desk. That was fine, but unfortunately, it’s not anymore. Your workspace says a lot about you, and now that your privacy is not what it used to be, be sure to keep a clean, tidy, professional workspace.
4. What if you need some privacy?
There will come times when you need to take a sensitive call or need to focus wholeheartedly on the task at hand. In an open-office environment, is that even possible? Yes! Simply make (or buy) a sign that reads something like “Time to Focus – Please Try Again Later” and place it on your desk or cubicle wall.
5. A phone call with the president
You have a highly confidential phone call with an important client. Do you take it at your desk with 7 people within earshot? Probably not a great idea. Perhaps it’s best you find a quiet, secluded area for your phone call. The same goes for confidential documents – do not leave them on your desk for all to see!
6. Is your ringtone Lady Gaga’s newest release?
All of your devices should be on vibrate or silent, so as not to distract everyone else. If you love to listen to music when you work, that’s great, but wear your headphones!
7. Avoid the urge to gossip
Gossiping at work, whether in an open-office environment or not, is never okay. However, the effects can be pronounced in this new open space. Keep your conversations within the office professional – save the gossiping for after hours (or never!).
8. Clean up after yourself, Gordon Ramsey!
The shared kitchen space is great, but it’s exactly that – shared! Be sure to tidy up after yourself to the point that your presence there should be completely unnoticeable. The same goes for other public shared spaces around the office.
9. I love Chanel No. 5 too, but…
Many people these days are allergic, or sensitive to perfumes. Please be courteous and if you must wear perfume or cologne, keep it to one spritz. People should not be able to smell your scent unless they are standing directly beside you.
10. If you’re sick, take a sick day
There is nothing worse than spending the whole day sitting beside, or across, from someone who’s coughing, sniffling, and sneezing. If you’re not in the best shape, remember that in this new office environment, you will be in close proximity to many other people. Staying home will not make you appear weak, lazy or undedicated, but rather respectful towards your coworkers.
Moving to an open-office environment can be a big change for many people—not only a physical change but a mental one as well. It comes with changes in privacy, etiquette, and behavior. It can be a tough transition, however, if you take into account the above, the transition will be much smoother for you, as well as your coworkers!
For more information on workplace etiquette and open plan office etiquette, check out our Leadership Training and Coaching course offered in our private boardroom!
