Is your Work Environment Like “The Office?” Many Would Agree.

Company get-togethers, meetings, and sales calls are just a few of the many events that may standout in your mind when it comes to the day in a life of a business professional. These events are common to almost everyone and exactly why the Emmy Award winning hit The Office—is so popular, because of its ability to hit home with corporate employees across the nation. When you sit down on Thursday night and tune in to see the hilarious consequences that unfold after a simple company meeting takes a turn for the worse, you can only imagine how that situation would have been handled in your workplace. It most likely would never happen, but when you put Jim, Pam, Dwight and of course everyone’s un-favorite boss, Michael Scott in one room, you truly never know what is in store. It’s comic relief at its finest! Nexxt, a network of more than 15,000 niche specific online communities polled its business professional members to ask “Your Work Environment is Most Like…?” More than 2,400 visitors responded to the poll and more than 20 percent related their workplace to the drama filled saga of The Real World, with more than 18 percent connecting to “the ultimate job interview” of The Apprentice. More than 16 percent considered CBS’s hit Big Brother to be relatable. Despite the absurdities of the Dunder Mifflin Scranton branch, more than 44 percent of business professionals said that their work environment is most like NBC’s The Office.

The Office exemplifies a workforce of cube-dwelling caricatures whose personalities cover all sides of the spectrum. When thinking about the daily goings-on under the reign of Michael Scott, any HR department has the perfect “what not to do” handbook in the workplace. While The Office is great comedic satire, here are some helpful tips to keep your work environment fun, positive and productive, because that is the ultimate goal, right? Go Above and Beyond:
Volunteering on new projects, organizing company events and/or helping others in ways that are “not your job” will make you stand out from the crowd and promote your value within your organization.

• If a co-worker is extremely busy, ask what you can do to help out.
  
• Don’t be a “nine-to-fiver.” Show flexibility in your work schedule and be willing to put in some extra hours to complete a project or help your fellow co-workers. A few extra hours from time-to-time, will go a long way.

Show Respect:

• Professionals should treat fellow colleagues with dignity and respect. It is important to avoid office gossip in and outside the office and ensure that everyone’s best interest is taken into consideration before engaging in a conversation about work or other employees.
  
• Rather than showering the boss with compliments, professionals should impress their superior by showing their dedication to the company, working hard and being a team player. Willingly and enthusiastically take on any task given to you no matter how big or small. It will not go unnoticed.

Work Hard to Play Hard:

• Be sure to attend after-hour company events, and get to know your co-workers and build new relationships. However, don’t forget these are still work outings, so always remain professional.
  
• It is important for employees to have fun and enjoy going to work each day, however professionals should remain productive and focus on achieving their professional and personal goals, first and foremost.

Understand Your Limits:

• Avoid jokes that can be hurtful or offensive to colleagues. Jokes regarding age, sexual orientation, race and ethnicity are never appropriate and should always be avoided in a professional setting.
  
• What may be flirtation to you could be sexual harassment to someone else. To avoid uncertainty, employees should refer to their office’s sexual harassment policy for further information on what is appropriate or contact their HR Manager.

While you may catch a glimpse of The Office in your own workplace, the hit show is truly a cautionary tale of how not to behave in a professional setting. The above points are just a few friendly tips to help keep you out of your HR manager’s office. For more tips and information on proper workplace behavior, please visit Nexxt’s Career Resources.