10+ ways to improve your office etiquette

Leave it to to the techies to speak honestly.

#1: Watch the volume of your voice

#2: Use speakerphones with care

#3: Be sensitive about what you bring for lunch

#4: Respect people’s privacy

#5: Fix, or attempt to fix, what you break

#6: Keep the lunchroom clean

#7: Be punctual for meetings

#8: Be careful about solicitations

#9: Avoid borrowing or lending

#10: Don’t ask co-workers how to spell

Added by readers in their comments...

Don't eat other peoples food without their permission.

Don't go in other peoples desk drawers looking for stuff.

Bathe often and launder your clothes.

Control your bodily functions.

Pay attention to how much perfume/cologne you put on.

If your office area has a coffee pot, please make a new pot if you empty it, or come close to emptying it.

The worst one has to be all those [ridiculous] mobile phone ringtones.

Comment by Vikki Hawkins on November 12, 2008 at 9:35am: How about .... "Don't take your shoe off during a meeting and set it on the table in front of you" Or ..... "Don't talk about what you are planning to do in the restroom" Or .... "Don't put the newspaper back on the breakroom table after you've taken it to the restroom with you"

Comment by Steve Levy on November 12, 2008 at 9:43am: Reminds me of things you'd like to say at work but can't...

1. I can see your point, but I still think you're full of spit.
2. I don't know what your problem is, but I'll bet it's hard to pronounce.
3. How about never? Is never good for you?
4. I see you've set aside this special time to humiliate yourself in public.
5. I'm really easy to get along with once you people learn to see it my way.
6. I'll try being nicer if you'll try being smarter.
7. I'm out of my mind, but feel free to leave a message.
8. I don't work here. I'm a consultant.
9. It sounds like English, but I can't understand a word you're saying.
10. Ahhh...I see the screw-up fairy has visited us again.
11. I like you. You remind me of myself when I was young and stupid.
12. You are validating my inherent mistrust of strangers.
13. I have plenty of talent and vision; I just don't give a damn.
14. I'm already visualizing the duct tape over your mouth.
15. I will always cherish the initial misconceptions I had about you.
16. Thank you. We're all refreshed and challenged by your unique point of view.
17. The fact that no one understands you doesn't mean you're an artist.
18. Any connection between your reality and mine is purely coincidental.
19. What am I? Flypaper for freaks!?
20. I'm not being rude. You're just insignificant.
21. It's a thankless job, but I've got a lot of Karma to burn off.
22. Yes, I am an agent of Satan, but my duties are largely ceremonial.
23. And your cry baby whiney-@ssed opinion would be...?
24. Do I look like a people person?
25. This isn't an office. It's Hell with fluorescent lighting.
26. I started out with nothing & still have most of it left.
27. Sarcasm is just one more service we offer.
28. If I throw a stick, will you leave?
29. Errors have been made. Others will be blamed.
30. Whatever kind of look you were going for, you missed.
31. I'm trying to imagine you with a personality.
32. A cubicle is just a padded cell without a door.
33. Can I trade this job for what's behind door #1?
34. Too many freaks, not enough circuses.
35. Nice perfume. Must you marinate in it?
36. Chaos, panic, & disorder...my work here is done.
37. How do I set a laser printer to stun?
38. I thought I wanted a career; turns out I just wanted a salary.