Mixing
Etiquette in an open plan office [duplicate]
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up vote
3
down vote
favorite
This question already has an answer here:
Adjusting to an “open†cubicle office layout
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I've just started working at an office laid out using an open plan. Everyone has their own desk, but everyone can mostly see and hear everyone else. The group seems to have figured out how to use this plan effectively - conversations are generally held quietly, and headphones are in liberal use.
My question is: what can I do (or avoid doing) to not disrupt my other teammates' workflows?
Edit: While this question may seem similar, they differ on a few key points. The other question is about dealing with coworkers who are being disruptive.
professionalism work-environment team
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:48
Community♦
1
asked Nov 19 '13 at 3:18
John Walthour
12116
marked as duplicate by Jim G., gnat, jmac, CMW, CincinnatiProgrammer Nov 19 '13 at 11:45
This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
This question already has an answer here:
Adjusting to an “open†cubicle office layout
3 answers
I've just started working at an office laid out using an open plan. Everyone has their own desk, but everyone can mostly see and hear everyone else. The group seems to have figured out how to use this plan effectively - conversations are generally held quietly, and headphones are in liberal use.
My question is: what can I do (or avoid doing) to not disrupt my other teammates' workflows?
Edit: While this question may seem similar, they differ on a few key points. The other question is about dealing with coworkers who are being disruptive.
professionalism work-environment team
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:48
Community♦
1
asked Nov 19 '13 at 3:18
John Walthour
12116
marked as duplicate by Jim G., gnat, jmac, CMW, CincinnatiProgrammer Nov 19 '13 at 11:45
This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.
1
I did notice that question, and, while it is also about adjusting to an open-plan office, it's about remedying a problem. My question is more about how to join a smoothly running team without disrupting them.
– John Walthour
Nov 19 '13 at 3:38
1
Don't browse /r/WTF while at work :)
– ThiefMaster
Nov 22 '13 at 20:04
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
This question already has an answer here:
Adjusting to an “open†cubicle office layout
3 answers
I've just started working at an office laid out using an open plan. Everyone has their own desk, but everyone can mostly see and hear everyone else. The group seems to have figured out how to use this plan effectively - conversations are generally held quietly, and headphones are in liberal use.
My question is: what can I do (or avoid doing) to not disrupt my other teammates' workflows?
Edit: While this question may seem similar, they differ on a few key points. The other question is about dealing with coworkers who are being disruptive.
professionalism work-environment team
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:48
Community♦
1
asked Nov 19 '13 at 3:18
John Walthour
12116
This question already has an answer here:
Adjusting to an “open†cubicle office layout
3 answers
I've just started working at an office laid out using an open plan. Everyone has their own desk, but everyone can mostly see and hear everyone else. The group seems to have figured out how to use this plan effectively - conversations are generally held quietly, and headphones are in liberal use.
My question is: what can I do (or avoid doing) to not disrupt my other teammates' workflows?
Edit: While this question may seem similar, they differ on a few key points. The other question is about dealing with coworkers who are being disruptive.
This question already has an answer here:
Adjusting to an “open†cubicle office layout
3 answers
professionalism work-environment team
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:48
Community♦
1
asked Nov 19 '13 at 3:18
John Walthour
12116
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:48
Community♦
1
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:48
Community♦
1
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:48
Community♦
1
1
asked Nov 19 '13 at 3:18
John Walthour
12116
asked Nov 19 '13 at 3:18
John Walthour
12116
asked Nov 19 '13 at 3:18
John Walthour
12116
12116
marked as duplicate by Jim G., gnat, jmac, CMW, CincinnatiProgrammer Nov 19 '13 at 11:45
This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.
marked as duplicate by Jim G., gnat, jmac, CMW, CincinnatiProgrammer Nov 19 '13 at 11:45
This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.
1
I did notice that question, and, while it is also about adjusting to an open-plan office, it's about remedying a problem. My question is more about how to join a smoothly running team without disrupting them.
– John Walthour
Nov 19 '13 at 3:38
1
Don't browse /r/WTF while at work :)
– ThiefMaster
Nov 22 '13 at 20:04
add a comment |Â
1
I did notice that question, and, while it is also about adjusting to an open-plan office, it's about remedying a problem. My question is more about how to join a smoothly running team without disrupting them.
– John Walthour
Nov 19 '13 at 3:38
1
Don't browse /r/WTF while at work :)
– ThiefMaster
Nov 22 '13 at 20:04
1
1
I did notice that question, and, while it is also about adjusting to an open-plan office, it's about remedying a problem. My question is more about how to join a smoothly running team without disrupting them.
– John Walthour
Nov 19 '13 at 3:38
I did notice that question, and, while it is also about adjusting to an open-plan office, it's about remedying a problem. My question is more about how to join a smoothly running team without disrupting them.
– John Walthour
Nov 19 '13 at 3:38
1
1
Don't browse /r/WTF while at work :)
– ThiefMaster
Nov 22 '13 at 20:04
Don't browse /r/WTF while at work :)
– ThiefMaster
Nov 22 '13 at 20:04
add a comment |Â
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
up vote
7
down vote
accepted
This one I know! I've suffered the "Open-Office Torture" many times, as a consultant.
First and foremost, pay attention to smells. If you bring your lunch, put it in the fridge or keep it in a sealed cooler. No paper bags at your desk. The smell is much more noticeable to your coworkers than you think. The same goes for trash - no food waste at your desk. Keep it in the kitchen / breakroom or take it outside. (I'm assuming you've got personal hygiene covered. Some people don't. Some really don't.)
Second - personal space. You can usually discern a "line" that segregates the individual workspace from the common walkway. Respect it. Stand behind the line until you're invited in.
Believe it or not, those two things will go a LONG way in getting along with your coworkers.
The rest are pretty common-sense. Take any personal calls to a breakroom, conference room, or at least out of the common workspace. If you plan on having conversations about the project that involve more than three people or will take more than 5 minutes, book a conference room. Book conference rooms if you are receiving client reps or vendors. No visually gaudy or politically-messaged items in your cube. (No, not everyone likes Teletubbies, Battlestar Galactica, or garden gnomes as much as you do.)
And, of course, try not to let others' transgressions of those rules get under your skin too often.
answered Nov 19 '13 at 4:11
Wesley Long
45k15100161
3
And please don't look at their computer screens :|
– amar
Nov 19 '13 at 7:47
1
@amar makes a good point - deliberately not noticing what others are doing is usually part of the etiquette, unless you are their manager/supervisor. Let's get something straight, your colleagues will at some point be browsing the internet instead of working: but making an issue of it will turn the workspace toxic fast, and reduce productivity more than them wasting 20 minutes would.
– Jon Story
Oct 29 '15 at 14:18
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
The best thing to do is be professional as possible. Remember:
- Just because you're viewing your personal email doesn't mean it's going to be "private." Same for phone calls, as already mentioned.
- Be organized at your desk. The more organized you are, and the more clean you are, the more you can focus.
- A focus and productive employee is not one others will want to bother all the time. Especially with an open office set up.
- Avoid gossip!! Avoid it like your life depends on it!
- At the end of the day, it's a job. You go into work, do your job and then leave it at your desk when your shift is done.
Navigating the workplace doesn't have to be difficult. People can certainly make it challenging for sure, but a lot of it is up to you.
answered Nov 19 '13 at 8:37
fractal21
212
I hadn't thought about the gossip part - that sounds extra important to avoid in an open office
– John Walthour
Nov 19 '13 at 17:41
A focussed and productive emplyoee is the one that the others will tend to approach with questions and seeking help... expect to be bothered (a lot!), perhaps create a wiki page documenting the most common answers. You can thrive here. I have heard of places where the team each have a 'flag' adjacent to their screen which they raise when 'in the zone' and really would not welcome an interruption.
– Ed Randall
Mar 27 '17 at 8:59
add a comment |Â
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
7
down vote
accepted
This one I know! I've suffered the "Open-Office Torture" many times, as a consultant.
First and foremost, pay attention to smells. If you bring your lunch, put it in the fridge or keep it in a sealed cooler. No paper bags at your desk. The smell is much more noticeable to your coworkers than you think. The same goes for trash - no food waste at your desk. Keep it in the kitchen / breakroom or take it outside. (I'm assuming you've got personal hygiene covered. Some people don't. Some really don't.)
Second - personal space. You can usually discern a "line" that segregates the individual workspace from the common walkway. Respect it. Stand behind the line until you're invited in.
Believe it or not, those two things will go a LONG way in getting along with your coworkers.
The rest are pretty common-sense. Take any personal calls to a breakroom, conference room, or at least out of the common workspace. If you plan on having conversations about the project that involve more than three people or will take more than 5 minutes, book a conference room. Book conference rooms if you are receiving client reps or vendors. No visually gaudy or politically-messaged items in your cube. (No, not everyone likes Teletubbies, Battlestar Galactica, or garden gnomes as much as you do.)
And, of course, try not to let others' transgressions of those rules get under your skin too often.
answered Nov 19 '13 at 4:11
Wesley Long
45k15100161
3
And please don't look at their computer screens :|
– amar
Nov 19 '13 at 7:47
1
@amar makes a good point - deliberately not noticing what others are doing is usually part of the etiquette, unless you are their manager/supervisor. Let's get something straight, your colleagues will at some point be browsing the internet instead of working: but making an issue of it will turn the workspace toxic fast, and reduce productivity more than them wasting 20 minutes would.
– Jon Story
Oct 29 '15 at 14:18
add a comment |Â
up vote
7
down vote
accepted
This one I know! I've suffered the "Open-Office Torture" many times, as a consultant.
First and foremost, pay attention to smells. If you bring your lunch, put it in the fridge or keep it in a sealed cooler. No paper bags at your desk. The smell is much more noticeable to your coworkers than you think. The same goes for trash - no food waste at your desk. Keep it in the kitchen / breakroom or take it outside. (I'm assuming you've got personal hygiene covered. Some people don't. Some really don't.)
Second - personal space. You can usually discern a "line" that segregates the individual workspace from the common walkway. Respect it. Stand behind the line until you're invited in.
Believe it or not, those two things will go a LONG way in getting along with your coworkers.
The rest are pretty common-sense. Take any personal calls to a breakroom, conference room, or at least out of the common workspace. If you plan on having conversations about the project that involve more than three people or will take more than 5 minutes, book a conference room. Book conference rooms if you are receiving client reps or vendors. No visually gaudy or politically-messaged items in your cube. (No, not everyone likes Teletubbies, Battlestar Galactica, or garden gnomes as much as you do.)
And, of course, try not to let others' transgressions of those rules get under your skin too often.
answered Nov 19 '13 at 4:11
Wesley Long
45k15100161
3
And please don't look at their computer screens :|
– amar
Nov 19 '13 at 7:47
1
@amar makes a good point - deliberately not noticing what others are doing is usually part of the etiquette, unless you are their manager/supervisor. Let's get something straight, your colleagues will at some point be browsing the internet instead of working: but making an issue of it will turn the workspace toxic fast, and reduce productivity more than them wasting 20 minutes would.
– Jon Story
Oct 29 '15 at 14:18
add a comment |Â
up vote
7
down vote
accepted
up vote
7
down vote
accepted
This one I know! I've suffered the "Open-Office Torture" many times, as a consultant.
First and foremost, pay attention to smells. If you bring your lunch, put it in the fridge or keep it in a sealed cooler. No paper bags at your desk. The smell is much more noticeable to your coworkers than you think. The same goes for trash - no food waste at your desk. Keep it in the kitchen / breakroom or take it outside. (I'm assuming you've got personal hygiene covered. Some people don't. Some really don't.)
Second - personal space. You can usually discern a "line" that segregates the individual workspace from the common walkway. Respect it. Stand behind the line until you're invited in.
Believe it or not, those two things will go a LONG way in getting along with your coworkers.
The rest are pretty common-sense. Take any personal calls to a breakroom, conference room, or at least out of the common workspace. If you plan on having conversations about the project that involve more than three people or will take more than 5 minutes, book a conference room. Book conference rooms if you are receiving client reps or vendors. No visually gaudy or politically-messaged items in your cube. (No, not everyone likes Teletubbies, Battlestar Galactica, or garden gnomes as much as you do.)
And, of course, try not to let others' transgressions of those rules get under your skin too often.
answered Nov 19 '13 at 4:11
Wesley Long
45k15100161
This one I know! I've suffered the "Open-Office Torture" many times, as a consultant.
First and foremost, pay attention to smells. If you bring your lunch, put it in the fridge or keep it in a sealed cooler. No paper bags at your desk. The smell is much more noticeable to your coworkers than you think. The same goes for trash - no food waste at your desk. Keep it in the kitchen / breakroom or take it outside. (I'm assuming you've got personal hygiene covered. Some people don't. Some really don't.)
Second - personal space. You can usually discern a "line" that segregates the individual workspace from the common walkway. Respect it. Stand behind the line until you're invited in.
Believe it or not, those two things will go a LONG way in getting along with your coworkers.
The rest are pretty common-sense. Take any personal calls to a breakroom, conference room, or at least out of the common workspace. If you plan on having conversations about the project that involve more than three people or will take more than 5 minutes, book a conference room. Book conference rooms if you are receiving client reps or vendors. No visually gaudy or politically-messaged items in your cube. (No, not everyone likes Teletubbies, Battlestar Galactica, or garden gnomes as much as you do.)
And, of course, try not to let others' transgressions of those rules get under your skin too often.
answered Nov 19 '13 at 4:11
Wesley Long
45k15100161
answered Nov 19 '13 at 4:11
Wesley Long
45k15100161
answered Nov 19 '13 at 4:11
Wesley Long
45k15100161
answered Nov 19 '13 at 4:11
Wesley Long
45k15100161
45k15100161
3
And please don't look at their computer screens :|
– amar
Nov 19 '13 at 7:47
1
@amar makes a good point - deliberately not noticing what others are doing is usually part of the etiquette, unless you are their manager/supervisor. Let's get something straight, your colleagues will at some point be browsing the internet instead of working: but making an issue of it will turn the workspace toxic fast, and reduce productivity more than them wasting 20 minutes would.
– Jon Story
Oct 29 '15 at 14:18
add a comment |Â
3
And please don't look at their computer screens :|
– amar
Nov 19 '13 at 7:47
1
@amar makes a good point - deliberately not noticing what others are doing is usually part of the etiquette, unless you are their manager/supervisor. Let's get something straight, your colleagues will at some point be browsing the internet instead of working: but making an issue of it will turn the workspace toxic fast, and reduce productivity more than them wasting 20 minutes would.
– Jon Story
Oct 29 '15 at 14:18
3
3
And please don't look at their computer screens :|
– amar
Nov 19 '13 at 7:47
And please don't look at their computer screens :|
– amar
Nov 19 '13 at 7:47
1
1
@amar makes a good point - deliberately not noticing what others are doing is usually part of the etiquette, unless you are their manager/supervisor. Let's get something straight, your colleagues will at some point be browsing the internet instead of working: but making an issue of it will turn the workspace toxic fast, and reduce productivity more than them wasting 20 minutes would.
– Jon Story
Oct 29 '15 at 14:18
@amar makes a good point - deliberately not noticing what others are doing is usually part of the etiquette, unless you are their manager/supervisor. Let's get something straight, your colleagues will at some point be browsing the internet instead of working: but making an issue of it will turn the workspace toxic fast, and reduce productivity more than them wasting 20 minutes would.
– Jon Story
Oct 29 '15 at 14:18
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
The best thing to do is be professional as possible. Remember:
- Just because you're viewing your personal email doesn't mean it's going to be "private." Same for phone calls, as already mentioned.
- Be organized at your desk. The more organized you are, and the more clean you are, the more you can focus.
- A focus and productive employee is not one others will want to bother all the time. Especially with an open office set up.
- Avoid gossip!! Avoid it like your life depends on it!
- At the end of the day, it's a job. You go into work, do your job and then leave it at your desk when your shift is done.
Navigating the workplace doesn't have to be difficult. People can certainly make it challenging for sure, but a lot of it is up to you.
answered Nov 19 '13 at 8:37
fractal21
212
I hadn't thought about the gossip part - that sounds extra important to avoid in an open office
– John Walthour
Nov 19 '13 at 17:41
A focussed and productive emplyoee is the one that the others will tend to approach with questions and seeking help... expect to be bothered (a lot!), perhaps create a wiki page documenting the most common answers. You can thrive here. I have heard of places where the team each have a 'flag' adjacent to their screen which they raise when 'in the zone' and really would not welcome an interruption.
– Ed Randall
Mar 27 '17 at 8:59
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
The best thing to do is be professional as possible. Remember:
- Just because you're viewing your personal email doesn't mean it's going to be "private." Same for phone calls, as already mentioned.
- Be organized at your desk. The more organized you are, and the more clean you are, the more you can focus.
- A focus and productive employee is not one others will want to bother all the time. Especially with an open office set up.
- Avoid gossip!! Avoid it like your life depends on it!
- At the end of the day, it's a job. You go into work, do your job and then leave it at your desk when your shift is done.
Navigating the workplace doesn't have to be difficult. People can certainly make it challenging for sure, but a lot of it is up to you.
answered Nov 19 '13 at 8:37
fractal21
212
I hadn't thought about the gossip part - that sounds extra important to avoid in an open office
– John Walthour
Nov 19 '13 at 17:41
A focussed and productive emplyoee is the one that the others will tend to approach with questions and seeking help... expect to be bothered (a lot!), perhaps create a wiki page documenting the most common answers. You can thrive here. I have heard of places where the team each have a 'flag' adjacent to their screen which they raise when 'in the zone' and really would not welcome an interruption.
– Ed Randall
Mar 27 '17 at 8:59
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
up vote
2
down vote
The best thing to do is be professional as possible. Remember:
- Just because you're viewing your personal email doesn't mean it's going to be "private." Same for phone calls, as already mentioned.
- Be organized at your desk. The more organized you are, and the more clean you are, the more you can focus.
- A focus and productive employee is not one others will want to bother all the time. Especially with an open office set up.
- Avoid gossip!! Avoid it like your life depends on it!
- At the end of the day, it's a job. You go into work, do your job and then leave it at your desk when your shift is done.
Navigating the workplace doesn't have to be difficult. People can certainly make it challenging for sure, but a lot of it is up to you.
answered Nov 19 '13 at 8:37
fractal21
212
The best thing to do is be professional as possible. Remember:
- Just because you're viewing your personal email doesn't mean it's going to be "private." Same for phone calls, as already mentioned.
- Be organized at your desk. The more organized you are, and the more clean you are, the more you can focus.
- A focus and productive employee is not one others will want to bother all the time. Especially with an open office set up.
- Avoid gossip!! Avoid it like your life depends on it!
- At the end of the day, it's a job. You go into work, do your job and then leave it at your desk when your shift is done.
Navigating the workplace doesn't have to be difficult. People can certainly make it challenging for sure, but a lot of it is up to you.
answered Nov 19 '13 at 8:37
fractal21
212
answered Nov 19 '13 at 8:37
fractal21
212
answered Nov 19 '13 at 8:37
fractal21
212
answered Nov 19 '13 at 8:37
fractal21
212
212
I hadn't thought about the gossip part - that sounds extra important to avoid in an open office
– John Walthour
Nov 19 '13 at 17:41
A focussed and productive emplyoee is the one that the others will tend to approach with questions and seeking help... expect to be bothered (a lot!), perhaps create a wiki page documenting the most common answers. You can thrive here. I have heard of places where the team each have a 'flag' adjacent to their screen which they raise when 'in the zone' and really would not welcome an interruption.
– Ed Randall
Mar 27 '17 at 8:59
add a comment |Â
I hadn't thought about the gossip part - that sounds extra important to avoid in an open office
– John Walthour
Nov 19 '13 at 17:41
A focussed and productive emplyoee is the one that the others will tend to approach with questions and seeking help... expect to be bothered (a lot!), perhaps create a wiki page documenting the most common answers. You can thrive here. I have heard of places where the team each have a 'flag' adjacent to their screen which they raise when 'in the zone' and really would not welcome an interruption.
– Ed Randall
Mar 27 '17 at 8:59
I hadn't thought about the gossip part - that sounds extra important to avoid in an open office
– John Walthour
Nov 19 '13 at 17:41
I hadn't thought about the gossip part - that sounds extra important to avoid in an open office
– John Walthour
Nov 19 '13 at 17:41
A focussed and productive emplyoee is the one that the others will tend to approach with questions and seeking help... expect to be bothered (a lot!), perhaps create a wiki page documenting the most common answers. You can thrive here. I have heard of places where the team each have a 'flag' adjacent to their screen which they raise when 'in the zone' and really would not welcome an interruption.
– Ed Randall
Mar 27 '17 at 8:59
A focussed and productive emplyoee is the one that the others will tend to approach with questions and seeking help... expect to be bothered (a lot!), perhaps create a wiki page documenting the most common answers. You can thrive here. I have heard of places where the team each have a 'flag' adjacent to their screen which they raise when 'in the zone' and really would not welcome an interruption.
– Ed Randall
Mar 27 '17 at 8:59
add a comment |Â
1
I did notice that question, and, while it is also about adjusting to an open-plan office, it's about remedying a problem. My question is more about how to join a smoothly running team without disrupting them.
– John Walthour
Nov 19 '13 at 3:38
1
Don't browse /r/WTF while at work :)
– ThiefMaster
Nov 22 '13 at 20:04