Elevator Etiquette


10 COMMANDMENTS
By Jane Herman
There’s a certain amount of common sense when it comes to elevator etiquette. If you live in a highrise, the elevator is the main way in and out of your home; a confined space in which you briefly encounter your neighbours several times daily. The natural instinct is to be absorbed in your own headspace, preoccupied with where you’re headed, and keeping strangers at a distance. And yet, the other elevator occupants, unfamiliar as they may be, deserve a modicum of courtesy. Unfortunately, most people have forgotten their elevator etiquette.
elevator etiquette
10 Rules of Elevator Etiquette

1. Out first, then in. It only makes sense. Allow passengers to exit before attempting to board the elevator.

2. Take the stairs if you are only going one or two floors, except if the elevator is empty or you have a cart, stroller, large packages or are disabled.

3. Hold the door for others who are running to catch the elevator – especially your neighbours coming from down the hall. A plague on anyone who watches the door slide shut in someone’s face!

4. If you’re sick, wait for an empty elevator. If that is impossible, don’t cough and sneeze for the duration of the ride. And if that is impossible, never put your germ-infested hands on the floor buttons.

5. If you are first on the elevator or closest to the control panel, ask other riders what floor they would like. On the other hand, it’s somewhat rude to call out your floor to the person standing nearest the buttons as if that person is the elevator operator.

6. When other passengers board, move a little to give everyone some personal space.

7. Avoid carrying out interpersonal conversations, be they face-to-face or – particularly – talking on your cellphone. The elevator is not a phone booth.

8. Likewise, if you’re listening to your iPod, turn down the volume so you don’t disturb other riders.

9. If you’re carrying a backpack, make sure it doesn’t land in someone’s face when you turn around.

10. Never drop litter or deface the walls of the elevator. Vandalism hurts everyone.

Riding in an elevator can bring out the best – or worst – in people. Think of the elevator as an extension of the building’s lobby, and of other riders as your guests. Remember, a little elevator etiquette goes a long way. Now, enjoy the ride!
Jane Herman is a communications consultant who provides communications solutions for a diverse range of clients and has written about food, fashion, apartment living and personal finance for several publications.
Original source: NEW CONDO GUIDE MAR 20 – APR 3, 2015

Original article: The Province
Read original aricle here.