Etiquette: Learn to ride the lift

Most offices in bigger cities are located in multi-storey buildings and taking the elevator (lift) is inevitable. Lifts are public spaces and understanding elevator etiquette is the first step in understanding civility at the workplace. People tend to pay almost no attention to these brief journeys, making the lift a site for several unintentional blunders.

Four Corners:

Like in the game, take your corner when you enter the lift, ensuring maximum distance between you and another person.

Where do I stand:

At the back, if getting off on a higher floor, and in the front, for a lower floor. Face the door and keep your hands by your side without touching anyone.

Personal Space:

Will get compromised; reduce invasion of other���s space by avoiding large body movements and gestures.

Right of Way:

Is with the passenger inside ��� let him/her disembark before rushing in. We Indians find this very hard to understand in our rush to ���catch the lift��� to reach work on time.

Eye contact:

Make no eye contact, directing your gaze at the buttons panel or the papers in your hand or practice the blank stare.

Minimum Conversation:

Fellow passengers will not enjoy your loud conversation with another passenger. Keep you mobile handy, disconnect your call before entering the lift and take no further calls. Don���t disturb fellow passengers by screaming ���THERE IS POOR RECEPTION IN THE LIFT��� into the cell phone.

Holding the lift:

If you spot someone running for the lift, hold the door for them. However, asking a junior / security guard to hold the door indefinitely while you give out last-minute instructions is unacceptable.

Extending help:

If you are standing next to the button panel in a crowded lift, politely ask fellow passengers ���Which floor?��� and press the required buttons. If you are right at the back, request ���22 please��� followed by ���thanks���.

Bumping into your boss:

A life is not a place to network ��� stick to a quick ���hello��� and a warm smile.

Grooming:

Mirrored lifts are good for a quick look before the meeting but are not to be confused with locker rooms. Brushing your hair, applying lipstick or knotting your tie is a complete no-no.

Going to the 2nd floor:

Unless medically advised, take the stairs.

Up or Down:

People who press the wrong button from the outside and make the lift stop unnecessarily, waste everyone else���s time. Lift rides can be smoother if we all learn to ride by the rules.