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Workplace Etiquette: How to Avoid Conflict in the Workplace


First things first—stealing isn’t okay.

Workplaces can be competitive, and while ethics codes and just plain doing what’s right should always reign, it isn’t always the case. Sadly, some people are so desperate to get ahead that they might do just about anything—even steal an idea. If a coworker has taken an idea of yours, your first step should be to visit with an HR representative and voice your concerns. Even if you can’t completely prove the intellectual theft, it will be on record that they’ve had an issue. That way, if they do it again, the red flag will already be there.

Maintaining boundaries is paramount.

While it’s good to have friends at work, and while those friends can often start to feel like family because you spend so much time together on the job, it’s important to remind yourself of the importance of boundaries. You may have key things in common with people, but even then you should keep personal business out of the cubicles and away from the water cooler. Blurring the line between personal and professional lives can lead to a mess. Save personal conversations for a drink after work or the sanctity of your backyard barbecue.

If there’s romance in the air, put on your gas mask.

Recent studies have shown that up to 50 percent of people fess up to having had an office romance. If you’re one of them, you’re obviously not alone; however, it’s important to still maintain the line between personal and professional. At work, keep relationships on the down low, but remember to comply with company policy with regards to alerting HR about your relationship. If you know coworkers are dating, stay out of it. Don’t let yourself get involved with any drama or in the middle of squabbles. Again, save that aspect of your life for off office property.

Maintaining boundaries may sounds like a bore, but sometimes boundaries are what you need to keep people from getting close enough to hit. With a little practice, you’ll be surprised how many fewer sticky situations you’ll find yourself in.
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