Business Class

 >>At an office staff meeting I attended, more than 45 minutes of the discussion focused on how a few employees felt that it wasn’t their responsibility to reload printer and copier paper when it ran low. One administrative assistant even commented that when someone asked her to replace the paper, it made her feel that they didn’t respect her.

In many workplaces, co-workers share cubicles, printers, faxes, copiers, bathrooms, even small kitchens, and how we treat each other, the office equipment and the space that we share shows a lot about a person. 

Good manners are all about consideration, respect and the Golden Rule—treating others the way you want to be treated. If you use the last of the copier paper, then you should replace it. If you have a big print job to complete, do it when it is least likely to inconvenience others. If you use the kitchen or restroom, clean up after yourself; a good rule of thumb is to wipe down the counter after you’ve washed your hands and leave the area cleaner than you found it. Use your speaker phone only when you must and don’t shout questions or answers—or anything else, for that matter—while you’re in the office.

Privacy is a big issue in offices, too. Eavesdropping might be hard to avoid, especially in small spaces, but that doesn’t give you the right to listen in or repeat private details that you might have heard or read. Not only is this rude, it is unprofessional and can be hurtful.

Life in a workplace can be stressful but by conducting yourself so that you contribute to a professional environment, you can help make it a little more comfortable for everyone.