Top Five Rules of Office Etiquette

Working in an office can mean long hours in close quarters. If you work in an office there are certain things that you should know about basic office etiquette. So here are some tips, in no particular order, for keeping it civilized in the workplace.

1.) Photocopier etiquette: If you are at the photocopier and you need to make multiple copies there are a couple of things that you need to keep in mind. For starters, if you know that you are going to be a while, it is a good idea to make sure that know one around you is waiting to make only one copy.

Also, if you are making multiple copies of a single document, you should always return the copier to the single copy setting before you leave the copier area. There is nothing worse than trying to make a quick copy before an important meeting and getting stuck waiting for the copier to finish making 15 copies instead.

2.) Personal calls etiquette: It can be very uncomfortable for your co-workers if you discuss personal issues over the phone in the office. If you have to make a doctors appointment to have a questionable rash looked at, than either take it outside on your cell phone, or go to a secluded place to make the call.

Never argue with your significant other from the office. If you start to get in to an argument, than you need to stop talking until you get done work. No one needs to hear about your other half's shortcomings from across the office.

3.) Personal effects etiquette: It is ok to keep a picture of your husband or your kids on your desk, but don't go overboard. The truth of the matter is, if you have a ton of pictures and drawings and trinkets at your desk it becomes an eye sore for everyone else. Keep it small and tasteful.

4.) Office supply etiquette: If you run out of post-it notes, never, ever, take them from a co-worker's desk with out permission. Yes, the company technically owns all of the office supplies, but you should never take supplies from another person's desk with out their permission. It is not very nice to pass your inconveniences on to others.

5.) Personal space etiquette: Personal space is sort of a blanket statement. This applies to everything from using a co-workers desk phone to going through their desk to touching them when you talk to them. You should always respect your co-workers and their space. In today's work environment, many people spend more time at their desks than on their couches or in their beds.

A person's workspace is their home away from home and you need to respect it. You wouldn't go through a co-workers purse or wallet. So, when you can avoid it, don't go through their desk or office either.