I have been noticing some unique habits regarding the office elevator. Today, a woman held the elevator door with one hand and held her blackberry in the air to make sure she got reception while sending an email. I thought to myself, “is this more important to hold others up while you make sure that last email gets sent.” Last week, a lost party of two held the door on every floor to see if they were in the right location. While on the levator, two women planned the office birthday party. Should we have red velvet cupcakes or halloween inspired orange candy corn decorated cupcakes? Okay, we need tips on elevator etiquette!
Here are a few tips from elevator rules.com
- All aboard – If you are going up or down one floor, use the stairs! This rule should especially be observed during peak traffic times like morning and afternoon rush.Exceptions: When you have a cart, stroller or large packages, When the elevator is empty, and if you are disabled or injured
- Re-pushing – NEVER re-push the call button after someone has already pushed it. This indicates that you either do not understand how the button works, or you do not trust the person that has already pushed the button to do an adequate job of it.
- Wait for the door – If you arrive as a door is closing, regardless of how many people are in the car, DO NOT press the button. The people in the car are already prepared mentally for their trip and do not need to be interrupted. WAIT for the door to close completely before pressing the button.If you press the button by mistake, and a door stops closing, do not board unless asked. Politely apologize and wait for their car to leave.
- Ok to ask- If pressing the call button would require you to push through someone, it is acceptable to ask someone else to push the call button for you as long as they are not further away from it or unable to reach the button for you (i.e. coffee in their hands, etc.)
- Check Your Direction – While waiting to board, stand AWAY from the door opening. DO NOT board the car unless you are sure no one is getting off on your floor. If there is someone exiting, allow them to clear the door before attempting to board.
- Who’s On First -In general those standing nearest the door should be allowed to board first. Gentlemen should allow ladies to board first to the extent that this is practical. To determine whether you should board the car, determine if there is enough room for you and your buffer space. As a rule of thumb, there should be room for two people for every one that is attempting to board.
- Crowded Elevator – During high traffic times, you may find it necessary to board a car that is crowded. If there is not a verbal invitation to board, the passengers may welcome you by making room for you, consider that an invitation to board. If you are with someone else, do not assume that the invitation stands for all of you. It may be necessary to split up and agree to meet at your destination floor.
- Holding the door for someone that is running toward the car is only appropriate when the car is empty or there is consensus among the passengers that it is ok to wait.
- Closing the door using the door close button should be done only when it is clear that no one is trying to board the elevator or when there are other cars available to go in the same direction. It is improper to close the door on someone that is moving toward the elevator. It is also acceptable to close the door when you are in a full elevator that stops at a floor for a passenger who indicates they would like to wait for the next car. Give them a chance to make their decision to board or not to board before closing the door.
- Blocking the door – It is inappropriate to block an elevator door from the outside for any reason. Do not abuse the safety devices built in to the elevator door. Refrain from sticking feet, hands, umbrellas, briefcases or other items in front of a closing elevator door.
- Where to stand – You should stand as close to a wall as possible. Consider your destination floor and stand near the back if you are going to a high floor. If you know you are getting off shortly, stand toward the front. If you choose to stand near the buttons, understand that you may have increased responsibility. Always allow as much space as possible between you and the passengers. Always stand facing the door.
- Talking and Singing – Conversations in the elevator are generally discouraged, however, it is acceptable to continue a conversation that was started before boarding as long as it is not clearly irritating others in the car. Avoid lewd jokes and topics that could offend others. If you feel the other passengers are not enjoying your discussion STOP talking and continue when you have arrived at your destination floor. When talking on an elevator be considerate, talk softly and do not assume that everyone in the car cares about what you are saying. Do not make fun of people when they get off the elevator. You never know if other passengers in the car know the person. Singing, humming and whistling are generally discouraged. If you are wearing headphones, they should be turned down to a level that cannot be heard by other passengers.
- No Touching – In general, it is inappropriate to touch other passengers on purpose. If you should accidentally bump into someone with you baggage or parts of your person, immediately apologize for invading their personal space. Always respect the personal space of the other passengers.
- Ride alone while sick – If you are using an elevator while sick, consider waiting for the elevator to arrive empty. The close proximity of an elevator makes it a good place for germs to be transferred. If you have a cold, keep your mouth covered and avoid touching the buttons without a tissue. Always cover your mouth when sneezing in an elevator.
- Pressing Buttons -Pay attention to which buttons have been pressed when you enter the elevator. Once a button has been pressed, nothing more can be done. Re-pressing the floor button will not make the elevator get you to your floor any faster. Re-pressing is disrespectful to the person that has already pressed the button and is generally irritating. If you find yourself close to the button panel in an elevator, you have the additional responsibility of button management. It is your job to make sure the other riders have had the button for their floor pressed. Regardless of your position, if you are asked to press a button, it is proper to press the button as requested or pass the request on to the closest person to the button panel.
- Make a mistake? Take steps to ensure that the only buttons being pressed are the ones for which floor a passenger must exit. However, in the event that you mistakenly press a button for the wrong floor, wait until the doors open on that floor and apologize to those who remain in the elevator. You may press the door closed buttons to cut down on wasted time.
- Carrying bags – When you find it necessary to take baggage onto an elevator, wait for an empty car when possible. If you must board an occupied elevator with baggage, be sure there is enough room for you and your baggage without violating the personal space of others. Try to stay near the doors with baggage in order to displace the fewest number of passengers upon your exit.
- Stoppping the elevator - The emergency stop button is for emergencies only. Do not use this button for personal reasons. Using a passenger elevator for the transport of cargo is not recommended. However, if it must occur, avoid stopping the elevator for long periods of time.
- Exiting the elevator – Gentlemen should allow ladies to exit the elevator first unless you are blocking the doors. In a crowded elevator, when there are others between you and the door, announce that the elevator has arrived at your floor and excuse yourself while making your way through the crowd. Pushing is discouraged. When standing between someone trying to exit and the door, do your best to move out of the way for them. If necessary, exit the elevator, allow them to leave and re-board.
