Office Behavior??
How is Yours?
While there is no set rulebook, there are a few things that are a given for office behavior, as well as generally acceptable human behavior overall. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that certain behaviors in the office are off limits. Here are a few tips that might help you survive until your next paycheck!
Office Parties
Behavior at an office party can be tricky. Who is there? Is the office gossip there watching your every move, waiting to report your inappropriate behavior at work tomorrow? Is everyone smashed or is there just a bit of social drinking going on? Keep your clothes on, have a few drinks and don't run off with the boss' wife and you should be okay!
Personal Hygiene
At the office, in a public place, or in private, it is a good idea not to give off an offensive body odor. Soap and water at least once a day should do the trick. Change your socks and your underwear daily and remember to wear deodorant. Also, passing gas and belching can tend to make co-workers a bit testy! Don't pass any offensive body odors and you just might pass your next evaluation!
Computer Savvy
No, I am not talking about being a programmer or a software genius. Computer savvy is knowing when the boss is lurking around the corner and not being caught watching ESPN news or updating your facebook status! Try keeping internet usage(outside of work activities) to times when the boss is out of the office or when you are at least partially through that stack of paper work on your desk.
This is probably the most tricky category of office behavior of all. The office romance is highly frowned upon. Unless you can be highly discreet and not kiss and tell, office romances are bad news. The office gossip probably has you seeing several likely candidates, but don't give any credence to those nasty rumors!
Friendships
I admit, some of the best friends are friends from work. Try keeping the partying limited to after work hours. Casual relationships at the office are easier. Refrain from gossiping and don't be a know-it-all. Nobody likes a no-it-all! If there is that one particular person who knows just which buttons to push and pushes them often, try keeping a dozen or so stress balls at your desk and use them regularly. This is favorable to punching their lights out (as much as you may want to).
Source:
Personal Experience
One Crazy Work Place
Published by Janet Hunt - Featured Contributor in Business & Finance
Janet Hunt is a freelance writing professional specializing in business and finance. She has published articles for such online publication sites as Demand Studios, Associated Content, and various other onli... View profile
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44 Comments
Post a CommentWell written!
I like these ideas. When I was a ssupervisor, nothing made me more uncomfortable than having to talk to someone about personal hygene.
I couldn't help but think of "The Office" television program when I read this article. Just about everything you mentioned is in that show (I love that show). Great tips.
This is a good, detailed article. Like the way you've broken down the key points in bold type, too.
"Unless you can be highly discreet and not kiss and tell, office romances are bad news. The office gossip probably has you seeing several likely candidates, but don't give any credence to those nasty rumors!" Your advice is good for the gals, but when the office gossip spread rumors about who I was "noticing" in my office, their rumor mongering only assisted me in my successful efforts. Makes the other ladies wonder "What is it about HIM that has all the tongues wagging" sorta. Women are competitive, and for a feller on the make, that is a plus.
Wonderful thoughts on this!
I never change my underwear, but I do change my socks daily. Left one on the right foot, right one on the left foot and then back again the next day.
Very sensible advice :)
Great advice. Sometimes things that should be common sense in an office seem to miss out on some people. Good job, Janet.
Yes, lol, you're right although many places are now cutting off access to Facebook from the company computuers, it is addicting :)