Working in an office with individuals from diverse backgrounds can provide numerous opportunities to grow personally and professionally. Yet relationships can be strained if employees don’t follow proper office etiquette rules. Thankfully, the experts from Office Furniture Connection – the leading office furniture provider in Loveland, OH and Erlanger, KY – are here to help. Below, they’ve shared a few guidelines everyone in your company should know about.

The Office Furniture Company’s Top 4 Etiquette Rules Employees Should Know

1. Respect the Space of Others

Even if employees work in close quarters, remember that not everyone around you will be available to chat whenever you want to. Always act as if there is a door between you and another individual and ask if they have a moment to talk before interrupting their work. Additionally, a person’s private space should be treated as such. Avoid helping yourself to something on another person’s desk and always ask before borrowing a pen or anything else.  People can be very territorial and protective of what they consider their “private space” and “personal items”.

2. Stay Home When You Get Sick

Though many people feel they will let the team down by staying home when they’re sick, it is actually much more troublesome to come to work with a cold. You can easily spread your germs to others, making them fall ill and compromising their ability to get work done and carrying the illness home. If you think you might be coming down with something, cover your mouth with your hand, cough into your elbow area, and sanitize your desk, keyboard, and phone as much as possible.  Leverage today’s technology and try to stay in touch by working from home.  Your coworkers and supervisor will appreciate the extra effort.

3. Minimize Distractions

Finally, noisy conversations and habits can significantly detract from another individual’s ability to work. If you are speaking on the phone, keep your voice level to a minimum.  If you can use a headset remember to position the microphone near your mouth not to the side of your cheek.  You should also take any personal conversations to a break area or outside. If you prefer to listen to music or podcasts, always use headphones rather than forcing everyone around you to listen to it, as well.

4. Messages Matter

Finally, speak slowly and clearly when you leave voice mail messages so the recipient gets the information correctly.  If you have an unusual name, spell it for people who do not know you that well.  Repeat phone numbers so the recipient can read what they just jotted down and double check it.

Following these etiquette rules can ensure that everyone in the office respects each other’s working needs. The experts at Office Furniture Connection are always ready to help with your furniture needs because they are dedicated to providing quality products at affordable prices. To learn more about their products and services, visit them online or call a friendly team member today by dialing (513) 984-6620 for Loveland or (859) 371-9920 for Erlanger.