Open Office Etiquette
The days of everyone working alongside each other in their own separate cubicles seem to be out, and the more modern open office layout is the new fad as far as workspace designs go. If you’re planning on embarking on a trendy new open office design, here are a few things to keep in mind and etiquette suggestions. It’s especially helpful if you’re transitioning from a cubicle space or many of your employees have never worked in an open office before.
Respect Others’ Privacy
In an open office space, it’s easy to feel like everyone is reading your screen or looking over your shoulder. Don’t be that person who reads off someone else’s screen just because you’re in close proximity to one another. You still need to respect their space and privacy in the same way that you’d like done.
A Clean Space Is a Happy Space
Since you are in close proximity to one another, it’s respectful to keep your workspace clean in an open office layout. It’ll also help cut down on the possibility of others getting sick from each other easily since you’ll stop the spread of germs.
Keep the Noise to a Minimum
An open office layout has a habit of making an office seem louder than it probably is. Without the cubicle walls to protect you from someone else’s calls, personal or business, it can almost feel like it echoes. Be aware of how your voice carries if you have a phone call or having a conversation with another coworker.
Consider Your Lunch in a New Way
Are you planning to eat a huge tuna salad sandwich with a bunch of cheese on it, or maybe you’re eating a PB&J? Did you consider if the person you share your open office space with has a nut allergy or hates seafood? These are new things to keep in mind if you’re new to an open office space—your lunch doesn’t just affect your day alone anymore.
Be Mindful of Smells
Perhaps in a cubicle you could wear as much perfume or cologne as you wanted. You may have even been able to light a scented candle or used essential oils at your old space. But in an open office layout, you have to consider how these strong scents might affect others in your workspace.
Be Patient
While you’ll expect patience from your coworkers to get used to your habits and routine, you’ll need to extend the same courtesy to them. There are certain things you’ll learn that aren’t worth going to war over and can be dealt with in other ways.
