This morning I read an article entitled "
Mind your workplace manners -- it pays" written by Miral Fahmy and edited by David Fox, both of Reuters. It discussed the result of a global survey conducted by Servcorp on workplace etiquette.
Based on the survey, the following were viewed to be the top 5 most offensive workplace behaviors:
(1) Not saying hello or good morning;
(2) Not offering office guests a beverage;
(3) Speaking loudly across the room;
(4) Using swear words; and
(5) Taking calls on mobile phones
Also deemed insulting were the (6) use of stationery without permission and (7) asking colleagues about their personal lives.
Not saying hello or good morning. When I worked in Makati, I usually get greeted. Not one of them has been from a fellow Pinoy though, not even to return back the smile. In Quezon City, to be greeted is highly unlikely.
Not offering office guests a beverage. I have experienced working in the public and in the private sector. In the corporate world, no guest appears uninvited. So, yes, it's rude not to offer any beverage. In the public sector, however, we do not expect guests and even if we're expecting any, we do not offer unless our superior says so. We are not conducting business. We're doing public service.
Speaking loudly across the room. If it's during an exchange of banters, it's ok. Otherwise, I, myself, find it totally inappropriate if you can't drag your fat @ss to where I'm at to say what you want to say. You're not in a marketplace.
Using swear words. Only the boss is entitled to! But, of course, it shan't be directed to anyone. So far, I have experienced working for 3 different bosses. Save for one, I heard the rest use swear words one time or another. The lone boss who never cussed is the exception; the other two, the general rule.
Taking calls on mobile phones. Taking calls on mobile phones?!? If we aren't on a meeting or in the middle of a conversation, no big deal if we pick up. We make it quick though - a minute or two.
Use of stationery without permission. But of course! In the government service, it is prohibited.
Asking colleagues about their personal lives. We share with one another during lunch time at the conference room. I do ask general questions, but nothing too personal. We talk about our personal lives at our comfort.
How offensive is my current workplace
vis-a-vis the survey result? Hmmm. I'm guessing the Americans and the English will be a bit offended by our lack of "office manners". :D
How offensive is your workplace?
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I thought I got it right last night - she will be taking up law in Arellano University School of Law (AUSL). The news report however says, "Melanie, who wants to specialize in litigation, said she would probably go to Arellano University or to any school as long as she's with her family." So is she or isn't she? And if she is and she got accepted at AUSL, my mind wanders to Dean Sundiang, the current Dean of AUSL. Melanie got his approval? Wow. That must really, really count for something.
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