1. Loudness

Do you unconsciously talk louder when on a long distance call or mobile? Cultivate a soft voice when speaking on the phone and if it’s a protracted personal call, step outside or into another room to maintain privacy.  Most people don’t want to know the details of your personal life.

Similarly, avoid using a speakerphone in a shared environment.

A loud mobile phone ringtone can jolt people in the middle of a task.  Especially annoying is a phone ringing out while the owner has gone to lunch. Remember to put your mobile phone to silent or vibrate while in the office.

To sneeze, to yawn, to burp is only human, but if too resonant it’s disturbing e.g. when a simple sneeze becomes ‘ah-choo!’ or a yawn becomes an emphatic sigh and stretch, or a burp becomes a resounding belch. Minimise the sound of sneezes, yawns and burps as much as you can. And automatically say, 'Excuse me' after.

From a hygiene perspective, show consideration for the health of your workmates, especially in flu season, and always have a box of tissues handy to sneeze or cough into.

2. Interrupting

If a colleague is on the phone, don’t hover waiting to pounce as soon as the phone call finishes.  Everyone’s entitled to their privacy when on a call.

Be aware if body language indicates they are deep in concentration.  Research shows it can take up to six minutes for a worker to resume after the briefest of interruptions, so resist the temptation to interrupt to ask a quick question.

Most people do leave their desk periodically, so why not save your questions until they are up and around.

3. Eavesdropping

Have you ever had a phone conversation, then subsequently the person in the next cubicle offered their opinion or answered a question they overheard? This can create an uncomfortable feeling of constantly being scrutinised.

‘Prairie dogging’ can be just as bad.  Don’t suddenly pop your head over the divider to see what’s going on next door.  It can be perceived as an invasion of privacy.

4. Swearing at the computer

A harmonious workplace is filled with harmonious people. Becoming angry or frustrated with events, people or equipment makes everyone want to duck for cover.   And there’s never an excuse for bad language.

5. Odours

Just as too much perfume can be overwhelming, no one enjoys being near bad breath or body odour.   

Daily flossing between your teeth and brushing your tongue aids in fresh breath. So yes, take a daily shower and yes use a deodorant.

Stinky food smells from eating at your desk can irritate others, for example, microwaved tuna and cheese melt, fish curry, onions or garlic.

Why not, instead of eating lunch ‘al desko’ (at your desk), go for a short break, stretch your legs and refresh your brain. You’ll most likely discover you are more productive for the rest of the afternoon.

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Copyright Nina Sunday 2011.  All rights reserved.  Published in Sydney, Australia.

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