# Workplace Etiquette **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [February 20, 2014, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-etiquette/681801 "2014-02-20T16:58:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Kimballkid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b5a626/32.png) [@Kimballkid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimballkid)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2014, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-etiquette/681801/21 "2014-02-20T20:43:23Z")
He must work in [Bear City](http://screen.yahoo.com/bear-city-drinking-000000712.html). Warning: Video plays immediately and doesn’t seem to have a volume control. ---
**Author:** ![EmilyG](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/emilyg/32/364_2.png) [@EmilyG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmilyG)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2014, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-etiquette/681801/22 "2014-02-20T20:44:58Z")
I think C is the best option, but I usually do A because I’m shy. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2014, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-etiquette/681801/23 "2014-02-20T21:57:04Z")
Strong-arm both of them off to either side, like a football player. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2014, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-etiquette/681801/24 "2014-02-20T22:06:18Z")
> [@Gary\_T](#): > > I’m curious as to why you apparently didn’t consider the middle ground between C and F – assertively but pleasantly say “Pardon me” and pause a brief moment while they step aside. No need to be timid, and no need to plow through. > . Yep. Myself, I just take out a small knife and start doing my fab _Peter Lorre_, and amazingly, people get out of the way. Also the room, the building, etc. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2014, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-etiquette/681801/25 "2014-02-20T22:41:18Z")
I don’t see the option for a shoulder check. I don’t get any other opportunities to practice checking around the office, after management cracked down on impromptu office-hockey games. ---
**Author:** ![etv78](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/d78d45/32.png) [@etv78](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/etv78)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2014, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-etiquette/681801/26 "2014-02-20T23:27:09Z")
D or F. ---
**Author:** ![johnpost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f17d59/32.png) [@johnpost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnpost)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2014, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-etiquette/681801/27 "2014-02-20T23:47:04Z")
Pardon me. Look out. Pardon me. Excuse me. Hot soup. ---
**Author:** ![Inna\_Minnit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/5f8ce5/32.png) [@Inna\_Minnit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inna_Minnit)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2014, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-etiquette/681801/28 "2014-02-20T23:49:41Z")
“Make a hole, people. Comin’ through!” ---
**Author:** ![pancakes3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ba9def/32.png) [@pancakes3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pancakes3)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2014, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-etiquette/681801/29 "2014-02-21T01:44:38Z")
I guess I’m in the extreme minority that says A? I’d like to think that coworkers usually at least shift their weight, lean back, or give some sort of signal that you’re clear to go through without interrupting. ---
**Author:** ![j666](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de0a6/32.png) [@j666](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/j666)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2014, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-etiquette/681801/30 "2014-02-21T01:50:06Z")
If this were time for the summer Olympics, we would all have a different gymnastic or track & field term for some triple vault more over them. ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2014, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-etiquette/681801/31 "2014-02-21T03:46:21Z")
I would typically go with Option A, but not exactly out of timidity or politeness. It’s the Maximally Passive-Aggressive choice, ideal for situations like this. When the Offending Conversants (finally) notice you standing there (staring at them with your arms folded and an annoyed look on your face), they will _sometimes_ get all red-faced and embarassed at themselves and steps aside, profusely apologizing as you pass by. It’s absolutely worth it to use Option A, just to savor the occasional times they will react this way. Failing that, however, I might go with Option D (silently plow through), or say “ **EX** cuse me” but not in a particularly timid way. The idea is to be just enough of a jerk to make them uncomfortable too, without making yourself look even jerkier, which would just leave you being the jerk. To be sure, I haven’t had much occasion to try this in an office setting. But the same strategy works well in the supermarket when customers are blocking the aisles with their carts and their selves. In those cases, I’ve noticed, they _more often than not_ will get real sheepish when they notice me waiting _patiently_ to pass by and profusely apologize. It’s worth the wait. ---
**Author:** ![the\_diego](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7bcc69/32.png) [@the\_diego](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/the_diego)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2014, 5:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-etiquette/681801/32 "2014-02-21T05:11:12Z")
My race has two problems: they like to hold conferences on doorways and narrow stairs AND, if they need to squeeze through, they bend their backs forward, stretch their arms 45 degrees downwards with the hands in a karate-chop position, and then pass through with their heads bowed. I find it weird, like a slave moving about the throne room. Me, I pass through politely but with neck craned, eyes like watching a movie, and shoulders squared (to signify that I need that much width to pass through.) ---
**Author:** ![Luk3112](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/a9adbd/32.png) [@Luk3112](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Luk3112)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2014, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-etiquette/681801/33 "2014-02-21T15:06:40Z")
> [@amanset](#): > > I’m genuinely lost for words that someone feels the need to ask this. I think it’s a little bit of a jokey question ---
**Author:** ![Luk3112](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/a9adbd/32.png) [@Luk3112](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Luk3112)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2014, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-etiquette/681801/34 "2014-02-21T15:07:47Z")
> [@OffByOne](#): > > Here’s a situation that I often encounter in the workplace: > > When I walk through a narrow hallway, I sometimes encounter two or more people (that I may or may not know) conversing in that hallway – one on one side of the hallway, another on the other side of the hallway. Their conversation blocks the hallway. Do I: > > A. Stop at the blockage and wait for them to notice me and one or the other move aside to let me pass? > > B. Look for another way around the blockage (including leaving the building and finding another entrance) so I do not disturb their conversation? > > C. Timidly say “Excuse me,” and duck between them? > > D. Plow through their conversation without saying a word? > > E. Ask them why you did not get an invite to this meeting? > > F. Exclaim “Excuse me!” and bull my way through? > > G. Mutter sotto voce “Get a room!” and pass through as though they couldn’t hear me? > > It seems clear to me that they are committing a breach of etiquette by conversing in this manner and blocking pedestrian traffic, but does this give me the right to repay them in kind? Can I treat this as a “teachable moment” and explain how their behavior is an inconvenience to others? > > Since the possibilities I have presented range from the politic to downright animosity, it is probably obvious which choice(s) I would pick if I had my druthers. Lately, however, I have been noticing that sometimes my own behavior does not promote harmony and peace (something in too short a supply nowadays), and I am trying to change my evil ways (lord knows, there ought to be a song about that). > > Perhaps, I have completely missed the correct behavior; if so, please feel free to enlighten me. That said, however, while I am truly searching for a factual answer, please do not let that dissuade any of you from offering additional solutions (especially at the low end of the scale) that might provide a chuckle or two to anyone interested in this thread. That is something I know SDMBers are especially good at! Timidly say excuse me, plow through their conversation and shout get a room ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2014, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-etiquette/681801/35 "2014-02-21T15:22:55Z")
H. Drop to your knees, fall forward, and slither between them on your belly like a snake, hissing loudly and wetly as you go. Extra points for spraying spit on the offenders’ shoes. I. Drop to your knees and rub against the offenders’ legs like a cat, arching your back, purring, and meowing. Extra points if you can make figure eights through their legs. J. Yell “GUN!” as loud as you can, then stick out your elbows as you charge between them. Extra points if you bring both of them down. K. If you’re a woman, sashay between them as you pull your blouse/sweater up to hide your face but to expose your breasts (make sure to wear a nice bra or no bra that day), thus possibly disguising your identity. L. Pull out your guitar and sing [Sixteen Tons](http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/t/tennessee_ernie_ford/sixteen_tons.html), and really \*sell \*it when you get to: > [@](#): > > If you see me comin’, better step aside > A lotta men didn’t, a lotta men died ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2014, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-etiquette/681801/36 "2014-02-21T15:58:16Z")
> [@SmellMyWort](#): > > Pick up some speed then leap through while turning your body sideways like you’re Indiana Jones. Or C/F. Bonus points for humming the theme song while doing it. ---
**Author:** ![Enright3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/enright3/32/2897_2.png) [@Enright3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enright3)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2014, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-etiquette/681801/37 "2014-02-21T16:01:31Z")
> [@TheChileanBlob](#): > > I always like to assume that other people don’t realize they’re being annoying. I know I’m often oblivious and block people’s way, interrupt, or whatever. I’d just cheerfully say “excuse me, lemme just squeeze by you, thanks!” and get on with my life. I wouldn’t even say it’s annoying unless they aren’t letting me get through. I just give it a “pardon me” or jokingly something like “make a hole!” and cut on through. What’s the big deal? ---
**Author:** ![PunditLisa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/4af34b/32.png) [@PunditLisa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PunditLisa)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2014, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-etiquette/681801/38 "2014-02-21T22:06:07Z")
It depends on who they are, how serious the conversation is, and how quickly I need to get where I’m going. #1) If it’s a big wig, I pause and wait for an opening, then say, “Pardon me.” If it’s my friend, I say, “Out of the way, lady.” #2) If it’s a serious conversation involving tears or arguing, I find another route. #3) If I HAVE to get somewhere in a hurry, I say, “Excuse me, please!” in a loud voice and cut through. ---
**Author:** ![jabiru](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/bbce88/32.png) [@jabiru](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jabiru)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2014, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-etiquette/681801/39 "2014-02-21T22:37:09Z")
I work in a hospital so it’s entirely possible my solution won’t work for you. The teams are doing rounds (Oncologist, Fellow, Registrar, pharmacist, dietitian, social worker, psychologist and generally one or two other allied health folk). They always cluster around the patients charts and are generally oblivious of nurses rushing around trying to do what we do. “Bedpan coming through” generally gets me a clear passage through the mob. Bonus points if the patient is C. diff or Noro positive. ---
**Author:** ![SCAdian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scadian/32/3292_2.png) [@SCAdian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SCAdian)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2014, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-etiquette/681801/40 "2014-02-21T23:45:56Z")
> [@Gary\_T](#): > > I’m curious as to why you apparently didn’t consider the middle ground between C and F – assertively but pleasantly say “Pardon me” and pause a brief moment while they step aside. No need to be timid, and no need to plow through. > > Now, if they don’t make room for you, that’s another matter. This. > [@purplehorseshoe](#): > > I dunno, amanset, I’ve encountered this scenario often, and sometimes it’s Highly Paid Important People doing the hallway blocking, so on the one had you want to display proper deference and etiquette and on the other hand THEY’RE the ones being rude. In that case, it’s “Pardon me, sir/ma’am.” > [@Si\_Amigo](#): > > Death is not an option? Surely leaving their dead bodies in the hallway would send a strong signal to others who may attempt to block the flow. Dead _body_. You kill one but only maim the other, so (s)he can explain the error they committed. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-etiquette/681801.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-etiquette/681801.md?page=3)