MSiCS has begun to cover your hardware (desks, chairs) & software (food, exercise). Today we’ll look at your interface (environment).
#1 Golden rule for a healthy environment: Keep it to yourself
Disturbing or being disturbed by your coworkers with any of the following is not conducive to a healthy environment. If you’re regularly on the receiving end speak with the person(s) nicely & explain why it’s disturbing you. If it gets out of hand, speak to a supervisor or HR. If you’re distracted you’re not working to your full potential, and deadlines and productivity will lag behind.
What IS that smell?
There are many offensive smells in the world. However, ANY scent that pervades the entire work environment is a major distraction. Take it easy with the body spray. Bad body odors can be worse. Even if you just overdid the garlic dip at lunch, grab a breath mint at the very least. Even good smells are a serious distraction. Many studies have looked into smells and memory. It’s difficult to concentrate on coding if you keep thinking about your aunt’s chocolate cookies or your mother’s Chicken Tikka.
What WAS that noise?
Ear buds are meant to keep sound in YOUR ears. If your neighbor can hear your music it’s too loud and may be damaging your eardrums. Nonstop tapping pencils, cracking knuckles, talking loudly on the phone for every call? Cease. If you actually can’t hear please see your audiologist. If you are on the receiving end of these noises please speak to the person or have a supervisor speak to him or her. You may alert them to a problem they weren’t aware of.
What are YOU lookin’ at?
If you’re looking over people’s shoulders stop it, please. If it’s being done to you on a regular basis by the same person(s) politely let them know it’s distracting. Unless you’re working with someone and you both have to look at a screen together or in a group this is simply not acceptable.
What do you want already?
It is rare that anything untoward is meant if someone attempts to strike up a conversation or interrupts you with a question when you’re working. Most of the time all you have to do is let them know and they’ll leave you alone in future. Offer alternatives (i.e., get them to email the information or send an e-vite to set a time to talk). If the behavior persists though, there might be a problem so speak to your (or their) supervisor or HR.
#2 Golden rule for a healthy environment: Be polite/professional
If you’re dealing with co-workers, clients/users, supervisors or if someone is dealing with you in person, on the phone or by email, be respectful, actually listen and act professionally. If you lose your cool once in a blue moon; so be it. But if it keeps on happening, it’s toxic for you and your coworkers. Talk to your supervisor.
#3 Golden rule for a healthy environment: Learn about yourself and others
If you open it, close it. If you broke it, fix it. If you used it, put it back. If you did it, admit it. If you were wrong, apologize. You will learn a great deal about yourself and others and you’ll sleep better.
#4 Golden rule for a healthy environment: THE golden rule
If you don’t like/want it happening to you; don’t do it to someone else. Annoyances are like viruses: just one can infect an entire work environment. Keep your system virus-free.
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