It can be difficult to navigate one’s behaviour in the physical world when our lives are dominated by online activities and we change our virtual conduct from day-to-day. It can also be difficult to return to the office after working remotely for a period of time.
Change is good. Change is necessary for progress and movement. Certain things, however, do not change. It’s good to know that. It’s a good thing to know, as all have said, that some things in the physical world never change, especially in terms of office etiquette.
The way you interact with the water cooler station hasn’t really changed. The banter may have changed, and you are likely using a touch-free water dispenser. But overall, the water cooler station etiquette hasn’t changed. For Office Water Coolers Wales, visit waterforyou.net
Here are some helpful tips if you feel a bit out of touch.
- Do not block the water cooler while you are catching up with your colleagues.
- Do not use it to wash containers/mugs, water glasses, or bottles!
- Be light-hearted and non-personal in your interactions. You may find it important, but your co-worker probably doesn’t want to hear about Aunt Violet’s verruca treatment.
- Share ideas on work. Numerous studies have shown that exchanging ideas or comparing notes outside of your desk, office or workspace can lead to positive outcomes.
- Keep your area clean, and replace the bottled waters if possible. If you notice that the supply of bottled drinking water is unusually low, alert your bottled-water supplier.