Marigold Harding, Contributor

You cannot always do something about all the problems at the workplace. But you can always conduct yourself in such a way that you contribute to a harmonious atmosphere.

As much as you love your job and it feels like home away from home, it does not give you the right to make personal telephone calls all day long nor to complete personal tasks. Your office and equipment are the property of your employer.

If you have an office with a door and someone who works from a cubicle enters, while the inequality of the situation may not bother you, be kind and stand to accommodate them. If you have a visitor, leave from behind the desk and set the stage for a more relaxed discussion. Most CEOs and heads of departments usually have a sitting area for a more relaxed conversation.

You need to remind yourself that workers in cubicles and common work spaces even though always visible and seem available to anyone, are not.

And, they expect visitors to respect their space and time. In the same way that you would not barge through a closed office, the correct way to enter a cubicle is to ask, "May I come in ?" Here are some tips to help you improve your lot and that of your co-workers at the work place:

Some tips:

Discourage co-workers from loitering or socialising around the office.

When hosting visitors, meet in the conference room or common area.

Do not gossip or discuss confidential matters in the open office; be discreet.

If you walk up to someone's desk or cubicle and they are on the phone, don't hang around and wait for them to hang up. Leave and try again later. You could be seen as eavesdropping.

If you want to make a phone call and not be overheard, find an unused office, or use your cellphone in the lobby or simply make the call after hours.

Stand for your clients and customers; you need not keep popping up if someone enters your office with regularity.

When using communal office equipment, take care of it. These machines have a way of needing more repairs more often than they should. It is in your interest that they function properly.