This document discusses essential etiquette for open office environments. It begins with a brief history of open offices and cubicles, noting they were popularized in the 1920s-1960s to reduce costs. Pros of open offices include lower costs and fitting more employees in less space, while cons include distractions, lack of privacy, and reduced productivity up to 45%. The document then outlines eight key points of office etiquette like respecting others' need to work without distractions, keeping noise and smells to a minimum, asking before borrowing items, and maintaining clean and tidy personal spaces. Following etiquette guidelines can help create a more productive work environment for all.

1. Essential Etiquette
for a Productive Office
(open-space office)
A healthier and more productive work environment
Bijan Moshiri
12/2016
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2. Open / Cubical Office spaces
Short Background
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3. History – Open Space office
•Open-Space office
• Early 1920s
• Frank Wright - architect (open-floor plan)
• Early 1950s
• Henry Ford – industrialist
• Fredrick Taylor – mechanical engineer
• Cubical in the Late 50s, early 60s
• Quickborner – A German design company
• Robert Propst – an American inventor
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4. 4

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6. What are some of the Pros and Cons?
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7. Pros:
•It cost less for the employer (building / maintain)
•Fit more employees in less space
•Easier to keep an eye on the employees
Open-Space office
Cons:
• Visual distractions
• Noise distractions
• Lack of Privacy
• Helplessness/frustration/illness
• Friction among employees
• The loss of productivity
(%30 - %45)
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8. How are we (employees)
going to make the best of the
existing situation?
Therefore the Question is …….
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9. The conduct or procedure required by good
breeding or prescribed by authority to be observed
in social or official life.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Etiquette:
Is a code of behavior that describes expectations
for social behavior according to contemporary
conventional norms within a society, social class, or
group.
Wikipedia
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10. The customary code of polite behavior in
society or among members of a particular
profession or group. Google
Examples:
•Movie Theater
•Office Meeting
•Restaurant
•Shopping
• Parking Lot
• The Floor of New York Stocks exchange
• Macy’s vs. Flea Market
• Standing in line to buy something…
• Tennis/Golf/Chess/Billiards Competition
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11. An environment that one can get her/his work done
with the least amount of distraction and/or stress!
An environment that one can concentrate and
get some work done, either in the absence or the
presence of their colleague(s)!
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Before we get started;
what is a work space anyway?

12. Let’s talk about
Basic Office Etiquette
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13. 1. Respecting another’s need
to work
• Just because others are sitting nearby doesn’t mean
they are available for conversation at all times.
• Respect one another’s privacy!
Act as if there is a wall/partition between you and
your colleague(s). If they appear to be busy, ask if
they have a moment to talk.
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15. 2. Keeping noise and distractions to a
minimum
• Noisy conversations (either between workers or on the
telephone) or habits such as tapping on the desk, talking out-
loud to oneself, humming a music, fidgeting or getting up and
down often can create an annoying distraction to those trying to
concentrate.
• Listen to music, podcasts or videos using headphones or ear
buds.
• In case of a visitor, unless everyone in the office are also part of
the conversation, step out and continue the conversation, OR
speak at own desk; low volume and keep it short.
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16. 3. Respecting another’s space
• Just because another’s workspace is within reach of
someone else’s desk, doesn’t make it common domain.
• Treat each person’s space as if it was a private office.
• If one needs a pen or a stapler, ask first or go to the supply
office/closet
• Do not help yourself to anything on other’s desk, chair, or
in their area (unless permission has been given).
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17. 4. Being considerate
•Respect (mutual respect) is key when working in an open-
office environment.
• Act respectful and expect others to act in the same way.
• Set rules of conduct and reiterate boundaries when they are
crossed.
• It’s best to address problems and concerns directly and
diplomatically before they escalate.
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18. 5. Not coming to work sick.
• When you work in close quarters, it is easy to transfer germs.
Staying home when sick is the best policy.
• It’s good hygiene to cover one’s mouth when coughing; keep
hand sanitizer on hand, don’t leave used tissues around, and
wipe down the desk, computer keyboard and phone from
time to time to help prevent germs from spreading.
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19. 6. Being aware of smells
• Within a tight space smells can be magnified, so use
consideration when packing lunch or snacks.
• Try to eat meals in the kitchen, break room or outside,
rather than at the desk.
• Please open the windows/door momentarily! Don’t leave
items in the office trashcan that would decay and smell.
• Since many people have allergies to scents, forgo wearing
perfumes, cologne or strong after shave to the office.
• Pay attention to personal grooming as well.
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20. 7. Being tidy
• A messy desk can be a distraction to others and will detract
from the professional image your organization is trying to
establish.
• Keep belongings confined to your own personal space and
tidy up your immediate area each day before leaving work.
• If you share a desk, be sure to clear away any personal items
like coffee cups and office supplies.
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21. 8. Be tolerant & Think like a team
• The open-office environment brings together myriad
personalities, with different styles. Be tolerant of these
differences and find ways to adapt. Everyone is not going to
agree with you one hundred percent of the time. Keep an
open mind, listen with the intent to learn and focus on the
positive aspects of your job.
• In order to maintain a cohesive team, do not spread gossip,
cause another to feel like an outcast, or grumble about petty
things. Hold regular meetings to set goals, share ideas and
talk about concerns!
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22. Office Etiquette plays a vital role in
in the productivity of any organization,
and an important role in accomplishing
the mission.
Questions !
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References/Sources:
http://dw.com/p/2TaEM
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-origin-of-cubicles-an/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11055149
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21528171
http://fortune.com/2016/10/29/business-sales-advice-saying-no/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2014/12/30/google-got-it-wrong-
the-open-office-trend-is-destroying-the-workplace/?utm_term=.af475c1276a1
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/open-office-flexibility_us_5618127be4b0dbb8000e8b8d
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/276238
Books:
Office Etiquette and protocol; ISBN-13: 9781576851456
The Essentials of Business Etiquette; ISBN-13: 9780071811262