Ground Rules for Working in an Open Office
Managing people in an open office can be tricky. These 10 etiquette rules help everyone stay productive in a respectful shared space.
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iWallet | Blog Yazarı
July 02, 2020
5 min read
Managing employees in an open office or shared workspace can be quite challenging. On top of keeping track of everyone and minimising distractions, you need to set some ground rules for meetings and individual work time. These rules should help create a respectful environment where everyone can stay productive. Keeping the following 10 open office etiquette rules in mind will help:
1. Respect the need to work
Remember that everyone in the office needs to get their work done, and others should respect that. This means you shouldn't start a conversation with someone who is busy. If you need to say something, ask first whether you can interrupt.
2. Minimise distractions
Since everyone needs to work, avoid creating anything that could distract others in the workspace. Only listen to music, videos and podcasts with headphones, try to take phone calls somewhere else and avoid talking loudly in shared areas.
3. Hold meetings in designated areas
If you have a scheduled meeting, remember that it may disturb others. Instead of meeting in the open area, use a designated space such as a meeting room or a social area.
4. Stay organised
Unlike a traditional office, an open office puts your desk in full view of everyone. It also means clutter on one desk can easily spill over into someone else's workspace. Keep this in mind and keep your belongings tidy and on your own desk.
5. Respect other people's space
One reason to stay organised is to respect other people's space. Keep your things out of their area and don't borrow anything from them without asking.
6. Respect privacy
As well as respecting your colleagues' space, respect their privacy. Don't look over their shoulder to see what they are working on, and don't listen in on their phone calls or conversations.
7. Avoid strong smells
Because everyone shares the same space in an open office, smells travel easily. That's why one of the ground rules is to avoid strong-smelling food, perfumes and lotions. The same goes for keeping on top of personal hygiene to avoid unwanted body odour.
8. Stay home if you're sick
If you're ill, there are two main reasons to stay at home rather than come into an open office: you want to avoid spreading germs and to minimise distractions. However hard you try, sniffing, sneezing and coughing will bother others. If you have to come in while you're ill, be considerate of others and practise good hygiene, such as disinfecting your workspace.
9. Raise problems politely
People won't always agree on which behaviour counts as distracting. If someone does something you find disrespectful or distracting, talk to them calmly and politely. If you don't feel comfortable doing so, ask your manager to address it. Don't let the problem fester; the person bothering you may not even be aware there is an issue.
10. Listen to other people's concerns
The previous rule works both ways. If someone comes to you with a concern or a noise complaint, work with them to find a solution and adjust your behaviour accordingly.
1. Respect the need to work
Remember that everyone in the office needs to get their work done, and others should respect that. This means you shouldn't start a conversation with someone who is busy. If you need to say something, ask first whether you can interrupt.
2. Minimise distractions
Since everyone needs to work, avoid creating anything that could distract others in the workspace. Only listen to music, videos and podcasts with headphones, try to take phone calls somewhere else and avoid talking loudly in shared areas.
3. Hold meetings in designated areas
If you have a scheduled meeting, remember that it may disturb others. Instead of meeting in the open area, use a designated space such as a meeting room or a social area.
4. Stay organised
Unlike a traditional office, an open office puts your desk in full view of everyone. It also means clutter on one desk can easily spill over into someone else's workspace. Keep this in mind and keep your belongings tidy and on your own desk.
5. Respect other people's space
One reason to stay organised is to respect other people's space. Keep your things out of their area and don't borrow anything from them without asking.
6. Respect privacy
As well as respecting your colleagues' space, respect their privacy. Don't look over their shoulder to see what they are working on, and don't listen in on their phone calls or conversations.
7. Avoid strong smells
Because everyone shares the same space in an open office, smells travel easily. That's why one of the ground rules is to avoid strong-smelling food, perfumes and lotions. The same goes for keeping on top of personal hygiene to avoid unwanted body odour.
8. Stay home if you're sick
If you're ill, there are two main reasons to stay at home rather than come into an open office: you want to avoid spreading germs and to minimise distractions. However hard you try, sniffing, sneezing and coughing will bother others. If you have to come in while you're ill, be considerate of others and practise good hygiene, such as disinfecting your workspace.
9. Raise problems politely
People won't always agree on which behaviour counts as distracting. If someone does something you find disrespectful or distracting, talk to them calmly and politely. If you don't feel comfortable doing so, ask your manager to address it. Don't let the problem fester; the person bothering you may not even be aware there is an issue.
10. Listen to other people's concerns
The previous rule works both ways. If someone comes to you with a concern or a noise complaint, work with them to find a solution and adjust your behaviour accordingly.