After listening to my friend complain about the woman in the workstation next to her wearing so many bangles that she could not think straight due to the constant jingling of her bracelets (for which I can only think of two potential solutions—talk to her about it or get a sound machine!), I thought it might be time for another friendly reminder from Miss Open Office Manners herself. Enjoy.
Helping an Open Office Outcast
Dear Miss Open Office Manners: I have noticed an odd situation in my open office. We have one coworker that, how do I say this nicely…no one likes very much. I guess every office has one, but the problem is that wherever he sits in the office, everyone else gathers on the opposite side of the room. Picture an ample open space with one person alone and the rest of the office huddled as far away from him as possible. Is there a way to get everyone to stop this? I think it is insulting, and he’s not that bad.
-- Am I the Only Nice Girl in This Place?
Dear Nice Girl, I agree with you. That is just plain lousy open-office etiquette. You will have to be an open office pioneer if you will. It would be best if you were the first to sit near this open office outcast. You don’t even have to sit at the workstation next to him - one or two workstations down should suffice. Assuming others in your office don’t feel the same way about you, J, I am sure some of your coworkers will join you in a day or two. I hope that works out for you!
Dealing with Open Office Micromanagers
Dear Miss Open Office Manners: My boss drives me crazy in our open office. He constantly looks over my shoulder…can't we lock him back in an office?
-- A Little Privacy Please
Dear Privacy: That is quite the dilemma. I understand your frustration, but you'll have to deal with this situation carefully because this is your boss, and I assume you want to remain on good terms. The first approach I recommend is to stop when you see him peering over your shoulder, smile, and say nicely, “Is there something you need my help with?” If the problem persists and you cannot focus, I recommend heading to a getaway booth. I hope that helps!
Dealing with the Flashy Coworker
Dear Miss Open Office Manners: A lady who works in my open office wears sequins and bright neon clothes daily. I appreciate that she wants to express her style, which could be more distracting. We have windows in my open office, and when the sun comes through, my eyes and monitor catch the reflection of her sparkles and neon, and oh my!
-- My Eyes.
Dear Eyes: Maybe get your colleague a long, black cardigan for her birthday? Seriously, the next time her clothes reflect on the walls, you can either be direct and clue her in or act clueless and ask if anyone knows what is causing the reflection because it is bothering your eyes. You must focus on something other than your work. Hopefully, once your coworker realizes she is causing the distraction, she will wear that long black cardigan or not wear shiny things to the office. Otherwise, you must take the ultimate passive-aggressive approach of wearing sunglasses at your desk. J Hopefully, that does the trick!
I hope you have found this week’s tips both helpful and enjoyable. Let me know your open office etiquette pet peeves in the comments below. Here’s wishing everyone a productive and polite open office work environment! Never forget to mind your manners!
