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February 27, 2015
We all have a few interesting stories regarding things we’ve witnessed in public washrooms. Those experiences sometimes having you shaking your head – really! Nonetheless, it is important to be respectful of others anytime you use a public space, especially if you are at work or a conference where colleagues can observe your behavior. Here are some of my tips to ensure the utmost in courtesy and cleanliness in this most necessary and vital of places.
- Offer privacy – If you find one stall occupied in an otherwise empty bathroom, do your best to avoid the stalls directly beside the one being used. Even though it is a public restroom, it is a courtesy to at least offer the illusion of privacy to others utilizing the space. Bonus points to those businesses that offer music in their restrooms.
- Have business conversations elsewhere – Talking “shop” between the stalls is not only awkward for those having the conversation, it is impolite to others in the same room. Save the discussion for a more appropriate place.
- Refrain from cell phone use – Do you really want to carry on a conversation with someone while use the facilities! You’re more professional than that! And then there’s the germs… think about that!
- Use a toilet seat cover – In the United States, toilet seat covers are mandatory in a public bathroom and I look forward to the day that Canada follows suit. If you are lucky enough to find yourself in a stall that offers such a nicety, use it!
- Leave the toilet as you would like to find it – Perhaps you’ve heard the cute rhyme, “If you sprinkle, when you tinkle…” As you may (unfortunately) know, sitting on a damp toilet seat is a terrible experience. Please take a moment to ensure the next user will not have to deal with such an impropriety. I know this is a really corny phrase but: “Be a sweetie, wipe the seatie.”
- Remember to flush – How often have you walked into a stall to find a previous occupant’s flushable seat cover still sitting on the seat? Even if you are using an automatic toilet, always glance back and make sure everything has flushed away.
- Wash your hands – In professional business environment, you are shaking hands with many people. Do yourself and your colleagues a favor by following this most critical rule: After using the toilet, it is imperative that you wash your hands with soap– first! The recommendation is to wash your hands as long as it takes you to sing the first verse of Happy Birthday. If there is only one sink and someone is waiting to wash his or her hands, move away for a moment. You can apply your makeup or fix your hair when they are done.
- Check the counter – At a recent conference, after washing my hands, I took a paper towel and wiped off the water I had accidentally splashed outside the sink. One of the event planners came in and scolded me saying it was the janitor’s job. However, I always make a point of leaving the counter dry for the next person. I will continue to do so! Why? This simple courtesy will prevent others from getting their shirtsleeves, conference programs, portfolios, handbags etc. soaked with water.
My mantra is to leave things as nice as (or better) than you found them. Today’s building design regulations, such as automatic faucets, soap, towel dispensers, and seat covers, have made huge strides in improving public restroom cleanliness and hygiene. That, combined with proper restroom etiquette will make it a more comfortable, approachable place for all.
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Posted by Margaret Page in Everyday Etiquette and tagged restroom etiquette
February 16, 2015
Achoo! The familiar sound of flu season! The flu is spreading like wildfire through offices, schools, and entire communities this time of year. Whether you’re the one who’s sick or the one trying to remain healthy (while working in close proximity to those who are not), being considerate of others is key to reducing the chances of sharing the flu bug.
If you are sick:
- Stay home! If you have flu-like symptoms, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, recommends the CDC. Besides the fact that you’re minimizing the spread of germs, you’re getting the rest you need to get rid of the flu bug.
- If you must venture out of the house, refrain from shaking hands with anyone. If someone offers his or her hand, simply say, “I’m sorry, I’m not feeling 100 percent today. I don’t want to get you sick.”
- Avoid sharing confined spaces with fellow employees, if there is a flu outbreak at your office. If you must have that meeting, suggest conducting it via the web instead of a small (confined) conference room.
- If you have to sneeze or cough, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue. Dispose of the tissue and wash (or sanitize) your hands immediately. Handkerchiefs arenot sanitary, especially if you use them and then put them back into your purse or pocket for re-use later. If a tissue is not available, sneeze into your elbow rather than your bare hands.
- Avoid using your colleague’s computer, mouse, phone, pens or anything else that they would handle with their own hands.
- It’s more important than ever to wash your hands often. Scrub your hands with warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds.
If you are well, but work in close proximity to someone who is sick:
- Germs can easily enter your system through your eyes, mouth and nose—any time of year, so it’s important to keep your hands away from your face. This can be a tough habit to break, but if you can train yourself to not touch anything above your neck, you will minimize your risk of getting sick.
- This goes without saying, but whenever you’re in a public place, make it a habit to wash your hands, often. Proper hand washing is the best way to reduce the spread of germs.
- Keep sanitizers handy – and use them. Wiping down the office hotspots – such as your keyboard, desktop and doorknobs –will kill those germs that are just waiting for you. Keep a spray bottle at your desk and a packet of wipes with you at all times.
- Wash your coffee cup with hot, soapy water. A quick rinse isn’t going to remove any contamination from germs floating around your office.
- Use disposable as opposed shared eating utensils, dishes and linens in the office kitchen. You never know quite how clean those re-used items are.
- Keep your distance! Limit your interactions with a coworker who comes to the office sick. A person who has the flu can pass it on to you as far as six feet away.
What additional tips do you suggest?
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Posted by Margaret Page in Everyday Etiquette and tagged flu etiquette, hand washing tips
February 5, 2015
Ah, the water cooler. It’s not only where can you grab a drink of water at work, it’s also where you’ll likely get all of the latest news from your fellow colleagues. With so many people quenching their thirst for both, it’s a high-traffic locale that certainly demands proper etiquette. To avoid becoming a topic of discussion at this most communal of places, here are some good etiquette tips to follow:
Form a line – First come, first served. If people are simply conversing and seem oblivious that you are waiting to fill your cup, politely ask, “Excuse me, may I please get a drink of water?” They’ll quickly make way for you.
Bottle vs. Cup – Observe and be considerate of others around you. If you are filling a gigantic water bottle and someone is waiting to fill his or her small water glass, take a break and let that person go in front of you. It will only take a short time for them to get their fill.
Avoid touching the water nozzle/spigot – Refrain from touching these with your fingers, lips or even the edge of your water bottle. With cold and flu season in full swing, it’s important to avoid and prevent the spread of any germs.
Replace the empty jug – If you were the lucky one to get the last glass of water from the cooler, then you are the lucky one responsible for replacing the jug. If you aren’t fit to lift a 5-gallon jug, find a friendly colleague who is willing and able to help you.
Replace the disposable cups – If you were fortunate enough to get the last cup, take a moment to refill the stock. Your thirsty co-workers will thank you!
Put trash in the trashcan – If you are using a water fountain, refrain from spitting out your gum or leaving any other garbage, such as used cups, in or on the receptacle. Leaving gum, spit or any other trash in a water fountain basin would be very discourteous to other users
Find a sink – Need to dump your old coffee? Rinse your soup bowl? Wash your hands? These are tasks that require a proper sink basin and drain. Be considerate of your co-workers and keep the water fountain and cooler clean and neat for the soul purpose of obtaining a drink of beloved H2O.
Clean up spills – If you spilled some water, grab a few paper towels and clean it up. Not only are you kindly removing your mess, you are also removing a potential hazard.
Following these simple rules will go a long way for maintaining your professionalism and respect in the workplace. Cheers to you!
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Posted by Margaret Page in Everyday Etiquette
January 29, 2015
With boxes of heart-shaped chocolates filling the shelves at every grocery store, and carts filled with red roses at every florist’s stand, Valentine’s Day is a day that is hard to go unnoticed.
In the busy lifestyles that we all lead, it’s no surprise how many romances begin at the office water cooler. Although romance is in the air this time of the year, it’s good to keep a few etiquette cues in mind if you ever find yourself in an office romance.
Play by the rules
Find out what your company’s policies are on the topic of office relationships. Some companies are more traditional and have zero tolerance when it comes to “fraternization,” whereas other companies are more lenient.
Watch your PDA (public displays of affection)
You’re at work, not on a date. While it’s tempting to flash a smile across the boardroom, public displays of affection are inappropriate in a business setting. Bottom line: hands off until you’re off the clock! Engaging in PDA is rude to your fellow coworkers and it also shows a lack of professionalism and respect for the organization.
Skip the love notes
Companies put a lot of time and resources into building their employee’s communication skills to ensure they are able to be productive and efficient in their work. However, when it comes to communicating romance in the office, its best to stay away from in-person and online “intimate” conversations.
As tempting as it is to send a quick and flirtatious e-mail to your office sweetheart, remember that you are on company time and companies have access to employee e-mails. The risk of accidentally sending a department-wide e-mail that was only intended for your new love interest is a scary thought! Getting the “pink slip” for this reason is simply not worth it.
Keep it quiet
Revealing to a colleague why you’ve had an extra twinkle or two in your eyes may seem innocent, but be careful when it comes to discussing any details about your office romance. If you really need to share, be very careful in choosing your office confidante. If you have decided to go against your company’s dating policies, we strongly recommend keeping the details of your relationship to yourself. Gossip spreads fast, even in the most modest and conservative offices!
When sharing any relationship details, keep in mind that the other person in the relationship is also your confidante’s coworker. Think about how work relationships would be affected by sharing details of your love life with coworkers.
Keep your distance
Being within close quarters of each other at work can be an invitation for trouble. Requesting a department change for one of you might be the best option. The goal is to keep everyone in the game happy – especially the company.
If you work in separate departments, keep it this way. While keeping each other company during lunch is okay, frequent water cooler or restroom breaks will raise eyebrows.
Though there are complications to consider before you commit to an office romance, it can be an exciting time of your life. Especially during this time of year when love is in the air!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
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Posted by Margaret Page in Everyday Etiquette and tagged Valentine's Day etiquette, office romance etiquette
January 23, 2015
According to the National Elevator Industry, elevators in the United States make 18 billion passenger trips per year and on average, each elevator carries 20,000 people in that timeframe. That is a lot of trips with a lot people in a very tight, awkward space. And I wonder how many of those trips are spent in silence? Crammed into a tiny box, we zip from one floor to another, staring forward, trying our best to ignore the fact that we’re shoulder to shoulder with complete strangers!
While I’ve already written about elevator etiquette in the past, here are some additional surefire tips on how to make the elevator experience less awkward for everyone:
- If you are in a tall building, and you only need to navigate from one floor to the next, take the stairs (if you can.) You’ll save yourself dirty looks from fellow passengers who are trying to make their way to the upper floors, while doing your body good by taking the stairs.
- Be aware of your surroundings. If you walk into the elevator lobby, note if the button has already been pushed and if people are already waiting. Don’t be “that guy” that hits the lit button again and subsequently jumps in front of everyone else that was patiently waiting. First to arrive, first to load.
- When waiting for the elevator, stand to one side to allow others to exit before you board.
- If the elevator looks full when the doors open, don’t just push your way on. Smile and kindly ask, “Any room for me?” More often than not, people will make a bit of room for you. If they do, be sure to thank them! If there isn’t room, they’ll likely shake their heads and give you a “sorry” shrug. Say “thank you,” and then step back and to one side to wait for the next elevator.
- I know you’re hungry but refrain from eating on an elevator. Besides the obvious fact that it’s impolite to eat standing up on an elevator filled with people, do you really want to risk arriving on your floor with ketchup on your tie?
- Do your best to face the door. This is a neutral, parallel direction that most of your fellow passengers will (likely) be facing. If you walk on to an elevator and keep your back to the door, you’ll find yourself in an awkward, confrontational standing position with the rest of people on board.
- Say “good morning” or another pleasant greeting as you enter the elevator. This makes the ride a little more pleasant by breaking the tension of being in an enclosed space with a group of strangers! It’s also a good practice if you’re shy or uncomfortable talking to new people. Take this opportunity to engage in small talk. Something like, “What a beautiful day it is today.” You’ll find your networking skills will improve the more often you get outside of your comfort zone.
- If you are at the back of a crowded elevator and it is approaching your floor, announce in a polite, friendly voice “My floor is next.” It sets the expectation for others on board and they will typically make room for you to exit.
- Elevator operators are a rarity nowadays, so you should be ready to take the helm if you are closest to the control panel. To prevent passengers from reaching across or over others, smile and say “Good morning! What floor do you need?”
- When the elevator is full, the people closest to the door exit first. Otherwise, women exit first
Do you have any interesting elevator etiquette tips you’d like to share? Please leave a reply and share!
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Posted by Margaret Page in Everyday Etiquette and tagged elevator etiquette
January 15, 2015
“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a gift and not giving it” ~ William Arthur Ward.
Many people are forming good habits in the New Year, such as exercising and eating right. I encourage you to add just one more – a simple daily dose of gratitude. It is an amazingly rewarding way of cultivating kindness, and January is the perfect month to start this new habit—it’s National Thank You Month!
Thank you notes can be sent anytime to anyone to let them know you appreciate them. Here’s the bonus: the amount of effort required to show gratitude is easier than exercising and eating right. In fact, one of my goals last year was to send at least one card a day. I thanked people not only for their gifts, but also for other kind gestures like taking the time to meet for lunch or for showing good leadership skills or supporters of my work. I was, and continue to be, successful in my daily thank you note endeavor. I know what you’re thinking – that you have no time to craft, much less send, a personal note. I use Send Out Cards (which I truly love!). You choose a card template, enter a quick personal message add your own photo, and then simply click SEND. Send Out Cards takes it from there by printing and mailing your heartfelt meaningful message for you.
Just think how delighted one would be to receive your beautiful, personalized note from you.
In addition to sending thank you notes, here are some other quick tips for celebrating National Thank You Month:
- Take a few minutes to think and reflect on all that you have to be thankful for. It could be a call from an old friend to the fresh air you breathe. When you really think about it, the list can be endless!
- Start a gratitude journal. Every day, write down at least one thing you are grateful for. Over time, you will have manifested a fantastic new habit and a thoughtful record of all your many blessings.
- Create an attitude of gratitude. Know that it is not how much you have, but how you feel about what you have that makes the difference. Let people know throughout the day you are grateful that they are doing their job. I’ll bet the bus driver, policeman or barista that makes your coffee would like to hear you appreciate them being on the job.
- Connect with others who are also grateful for what they have, not just in the workplace but in personal relationships as well. These are the people that have positive energy, are inspiring and they cheerfully impact people in valuable ways.
Take note of the warm feelings you get from expressing gratitude. Be thankful, not only in January, but throughout the year to those that mean the most to you. Letting people know just how important and special they are takes just a bit of effort, yet has massive rewards.
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Posted by Margaret Page in Business Etiquette
December 29, 2014
As the year comes to a close, you’re probably thinking about New Year’s resolutions. And if it’s not top of your mind, it’s certainly a trending topic on the Internet, so there’s no escaping it. While this is the perfect time of year to set personal and professional standards and goals for the next 12 months, it’s also important to spend time reflecting and celebrating all that you’ve accomplished in the past year.
Every year between Christmas and New Year, I sit down and create a list of the 100 things I have accomplished over the past 12 months. It doesn’t matter the size of the accomplishment or outcome, I write it down. It usually takes me a few days to complete my year-end review and when I am done I am always amazed at how much I have accomplished and how much I have grown. Revisiting your blessings and accomplishments will also help you shine a light on the new standards and goals you wish to set in the coming year. Look at the list you created and think about the things that fired you up. Does your heart still leap when you think about how you felt giving that speech, running that marathon or landing that job? Whatever it was that you accomplished that made your heart jump for joy, do more of that in 2015!
As you set new standards and goals for 2015, I wish you much success in building a better you! Is it really all about hitting those targets? No, it’s really all about the person you become as you work toward those milestones.
Wishing you all the best for 2015. In the New Year may you be a lean, keen mingling machine.
Please feel free to contact me for support and guidance as you continue your journey to reaching your full potential!
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Posted by Margaret Page in Everyday Etiquette
December 23, 2014
Here we are again, about to celebrate the holidays and launch into a brand new year! It’s amazing to me how fast time flies!
As you celebrate the holidays with family and friends, soak it all in. This time of year, more than ever, is a time when we are reminded of all the wonderful people who touch our lives throughout the year.
From home to home, and heart to heart,
From one place to another.
The warmth and joy of Christmas,
Brings us closer to each other.
My wish for you is this: peace and prosperity; health and happiness. I hope your holiday season is filled with love and laughter and that the new year brings you much success.
Happy holidays to you!
~ Margaret Page
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Posted by Margaret Page in Just for Fun
November 21, 2014
If you’re a woman, you’ve asked yourself this question: Where do I put my handbag while I eat? Or while I visit?
If you hang it on the chair, it’s easy pickings for a thief. Putting it on your lap is not comfortable and can get messy. So, what happens? Usually you put it on the floor by your feet, tucking it in so that the waiter doesn’t kick it around or trip over the strap! Am I right, ladies?
One of the things that was very prevalent when I journeyed this summer was that there was far more thought given to “purse etiquette” outside North America.
In fact I would go so far as to say they have mastered the art.
After a long morning of shopping at a large mall in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, we stopped for tea at Harrods beautiful tea bar. The Tea Salon, with its white clothed tables and fine china, was the perfect place to partake in a cool drink and take a break fro our shop-till-we-drop excursion.
We sat down and I put my handbag and my parcels on the floor next to me. The dashing waiter rushed over with a black basket and placed it on the floor next to me, picked up my handbag and placed it in the basket. I blushed, smiled and thanked him. Seriously, it’s been years since a man touched one of my handbags! 🙂
A few days later, in Singapore, at the Marina Bay Resort – the Ku de Ta restaurant—I again went to put my handbag on the floor, out of habit, and the waitress, Ida, suggested I place my handbag on the cushion next to me instead.
As we left the restaurant we were each presented with a beautiful purse hanger as a gift. Apparently the restaurant gives the ornate purse hangers to all the restaurant patrons to encourage them to use them throughout the city when they are tempted to place their handbag on the floor! What a lovely gesture, and a wonderful way of sharing proper “etiquette” of how better to manage your handbag.
The following week in Tokyo, we noticed some restaurants had bins built in next to the dining tables to place parcels and handbags in. Talk about being attentive to your clients needs! I’m curious, were there women involved with the design of the bins or was it men who had their eyes open to the challenges of their patrons?
Perhaps one of the catalysts in the east is the Chinese proverb that says: “A purse on the floor is money out the door.” Your money, checkbook and credit cards are typically in your handbag and putting your purse on the floor is disrespectful and shows disregard for your wealth.
While we don’t have a similar proverb in the west, I only had to have one biologist show me the bacteria that resides on the floors EVERYWHERE to know you and I ought not to be putting our handbag on the floor and then minutes later on our kitchen counter, bathroom counter and even on our beds – nasty! Knowing that, why would we ever want to put our purse on the floor again?
Where are you likely to place your handbag when you need to put it down?
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Posted by Margaret Page in Everyday Etiquette and tagged purse etiquette
November 10, 2014
Tomorrow is Remembrance Day in Canada, and this year more Canadians than ever are wearing poppies as a way to honour our veterans for their sacrifice. With the recent attacks in Canada fresh in our minds, I wasn’t surprised to read that 19 million poppies have been distributed this year – one million more than last year.
Remembrance Day has certainly taken on added meaning after last month’s tragic events. This year Remembrance Day ceremonies will feel very raw for all of us.
Below are a few poppy etiquette suggestions to ensure you are showing the most respect for the honoured tradition.
- Traditionally, a poppy is worn on your left side, closest to your heart, but the fact that you’re choosing to wear the poppy speaks volumes.
- Poppies can be worn any time of year to show support for fallen soldiers, but traditionally poppies are worn from the last Friday in October until November 11.
- Nothing should be worn in front of the poppy.
- After November 11, poppies can be attached to a wreath at your local cenotaph after the Remembrance Day service.
- If you find a discarded poppy, The Salvation Army suggests you place it in the cemetery or at the foot of a war memorial.
We encourage you to purchase a new poppy every year as the money raised through poppy donations goes toward programs and financial assistance to help veterans in need and their families.
Tip: To prevent your poppy from falling off, try sliding a plastic earring backing on the end of the pin. Here are some more tips to keep your poppy in place. What tips do you have for keeping your poppy in place?
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Posted by Margaret Page in Everyday Etiquette and tagged poppy etiquette, Remembrance Day
