23
Apr
Table of Contents
Practical Tips for Successfully Sharing an Office with Coworkers
In this post, I will share essential tips for successfully sharing an office with coworkers. It’s crucial for both myself and you, dear readers, to be reminded of how to navigate this common workplace scenario. Sharing an office with coworkers requires knowing how to deal with colleagues in a shared office environment, which is key to maintaining a peaceful and productive workspace. Good manners and respect are essential in reaching this goal—achieving peace of mind at work is invaluable!
Let’s be honest, in an open office environment, privacy can be a challenge. We all have to manage various personalities, work styles, and habits. Everyone is unique, and that’s what makes the workplace dynamic. However, making the best out of sharing an office is possible. Think of it as sharing a room with roommates—communication and respect are the cornerstones of a harmonious office sharing experience.
Understanding and Managing Different Types of Coworkers in a Shared Office
To be clear, I’m not a professional trainer, but these are situations I’ve personally encountered at work. I’ll share with you the types of coworkers you might have to deal with when sharing an office:
- The Distant Colleague:
These are the coworkers who tend to ignore you and rarely offer help. They are usually too busy focusing on their own tasks and proving themselves. While they don’t cause any direct harm and keep to themselves (which can be a good thing), it’s a tough position to be in. Being that person can be isolating, and it’s not a role anyone enjoys or should aspire to. It’s a difficult balance to strike—being focused on your work while also being approachable and helpful. - The Toxic Colleague:
Unfortunately, you might encounter coworkers who make your life miserable. These individuals exhibit toxic behaviors—gossiping, slandering, or even sabotaging others. It’s challenging to work with someone who creates a negative atmosphere, and you certainly don’t want to be that person. Maintaining a positive and supportive work environment is crucial for everyone’s well-being. - The Respectful Colleague:
Then, there are those colleagues who are polite, respectful, and considerate of others’ work and privacy. This is the type of coworker everyone hopes to have by their side. They create a harmonious office environment, which makes sharing an office space a pleasant experience. Striking to be this kind of coworker not only benefits you but also fosters a positive and productive work environment for everyone.
How to Foster a Harmonious Office Space: Practical Tips from Over a Decade of Experience
So, those were my thoughts about the different types of coworkers you might encounter when sharing an office. Now, let’s dive into the points below to see how you can apply them to create a more pleasant work environment. While I’m not a certified personality trainer, I do have over 14 years of experience working as a secretary in administration, which has given me a good understanding of various coworker personalities (and I’m still learning from the best).
1. Treat Other with Respect:
Be courteous, respectful, and kind; this is not a place for discrimination, judging, or negativity. Set a good example by greeting your coworkers and wishing them a good day. Respect boundaries by minding your own business and encouraging a positive office environment when sharing an office with coworkers.
2. Keep Your Items Within Your Space.
Always keep your belongings in your designated space to avoid disturbing the coworker next to you. Remember, when sharing an office, it’s essential to respect others’ property. Do not take anything from your colleague without their permission.
3. Phone’s Calls, Texts, and Voice Messages:
When you receive a call, it’s important to answer it professionally, using a calm and quiet voice to avoid disturbing your coworkers who are focused on their tasks. Always consider how your actions might affect those around you, whether it’s a mobile personal call, a WhatsApp message, or a text. If you must respond, keep it brief and avoid sharing unnecessary details that could irritate others.
Ensure your phone is set to silent mode to prevent loud ringtones from bounce back and forth, which can be disruptive. I recall attending a meeting where a member’s phone kept ringing loudly as they texted, disrupting the entire session. To maintain a professional environment, it’s best to keep your phone on silent, especially during meetings.
4. Using Perfume in a Shared Office:
You may share an office with some coworkers who suffer from chronic conditions such as paranasal sinusitis or asthma, allergies, or migraine. As a result, it is best to avoid wearing too much perfume. To prevent causing harm to others while not paying attention. And this apply on the air fresheners.
5. Communicate with Coworkers:
It is beneficial to communicate with other coworkers and open your heart, because you are all in this together. Trying to find suitable solution for everyone. Therefore, let your colleague knows what is bothering you. Keeping it and remaining quit, the more of unwanted behaviors become ingrained in the space environment. Expecting them to figure out what’s wrong with you. It will not happen, so speak up. Many of them might be totally oblivious. Unless you bring it up to them. They will off course, apologize to you and make every effort to amend their behavior. As I supposed.
6. Use Headphones: Managing Noise Levels in a Shared Workspace
No one wants to hear what you are hearing, so it is better to use the headphone for your mobile or when you would like to hear some music or anything. To make sure that you are not annoying any of your co-workers.
And lastly, by following these points, I believe you’ll have a positive relationship with your coworkers, and they may even start to feel like a second family to you.
If you have any comments or thoughts, please don’t hesitate to share them—I’d love to hear from you.
For more tips on enhancing your work environment, check out additional ways to elevate your professional atmosphere here.
