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4. How to behave in an open space office ?

Vocab

  1. Open space
  2. Small talk
  3. Disturb
  4. Neighbour
  5. Posture
  6. Break
  7. Burnout
  8. Gaze
  9. Fridge
  10. Get on with

Advice

  • Dont bring smelly food to the open space
  • Dont stick too much to your phone (DO IT ON YOUR COMPUTER) !!
  • Try get on with your neighbours, but do not distrub them to much
  • Do not put your food in the fridge or it will get stolen
  • Dont forget to have breaks during the day or you will have a burnout
  • Dont be lazy take the stairs
  • Try to maintain a good posture during at your desktop, or you will regret it in ten years.
  • Dont come dressed up like you will on your sundays, a polo and a jean is fine.

Dialogue

Jimmy (asking for advice) Hi Arthur, I just started my new job in an open space office, and I don’t really know how to behave. Do you have any advice?

Arthur (giving advice) Of course! First, don’t bring smelly food. If you put something strong in the fridge, everyone will complain!

Jimmy Oh… I was planning to bring fish tomorrow.

Arthur Bad idea! Also, try to get on with your neighbours. Be friendly and make some small talk, but don’t disturb them too much when they are working.

Jimmy So I shouldn’t talk all the time?

Arthur Exactly. And don’t stick to your phone. If you need it, use your computer instead.

Jimmy Okay, that makes sense.

Arthur Another important thing: take a break during the day. If you work too much without resting, you could have a burnout.

Jimmy Wow, I definitely don’t want that.

Arthur And don’t forget your posture. Sit straight at your desk. In ten years, your back will thank you!

Jimmy Good point!

Arthur Also, don’t stare or gaze at people’s screens. It’s not polite.

Jimmy Oops… I sometimes do that.

Arthur And finally, don’t dress like it’s Sunday. A polo shirt and jeans are perfect.

Jimmy Thanks, Arthur! Now I feel ready for my new job!

Arthur You’re welcome! Good luck in your open space office!