The workplace hosts a few small battlefields, from the break room fridge to the all-important parking lot. Since the parking lot marks the start of your workday, a pleasant parking experience helps make the grind a better a place for everyone. A little proper etiquette in the lot goes a long way to encourage a sense of teamwork – not to mention safety – at work.
Check the Rules
Before you start working at a new job, ask your supervisor about any specific lot rules for your company and follow the rules to a tee. This serves as strong foundation upon which to build the rest of your parking lot manners. If your lot has specific speed limit signs posted, follow the limit. If there are no signs, don't exceed 10 miles per hour. Always respect assigned spaces, or you're in for trouble.
Be Aware
Stay alert in the parking lot; if you can, keep your cell phone, tablet or MP3 player stowed until you get into the building. If you're not aware of your surroundings, you might cause bottlenecks for others trying to park, which can frustrate them and put you both in danger. As a driver, breathe, take your time and wait. Don't bolt into the first empty free spot – check to see if anyone else is waiting first. Watch for others as you pull out. Let your nearby co-workers get safely into their cars before you speed away.
In the Spot
The workplace hinges on healthy communication, so don't forget to communicate in the lot – use your blinker to let others know you're planning to pull in to a free space. If there are multiple empty spots, leave a space between your car and the next and avoid parking too close to prevent scratching your co-workers' cars. In any case, use caution when you exit your car out of respect to your co-workers' property.
Mind Your Manners
Remember what your mama taught you – good manners are just as appreciated in the parking lot as they are elsewhere, if not more so. Never fight for a spot or get nasty with your peers – in the end, it's just not worth it. Try giving up a close spot to a co-worker; you might find yourself getting a little exercise on the way to the building and finding the atmosphere inside lightened as a result of your good deed.
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Writer Bio
Dan Ketchum has been a professional writer since 2003, with work appearing online and offline in Word Riot, Bazooka Magazine, Anemone Sidecar, Trails and more. Dan's diverse professional background spans from costume design and screenwriting to mixology, manual labor and video game industry publicity.