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Keeping a Job
Co-Worker Interactions

office notebook, calculator, pensPersonal Belongings

Workers keep supplies in their work station or desk.  For example, in an office, the receptionist may keep a stapler, stamps, pens, paper, and scissors handy.  Even though these items may belong to the work place, you should not take or touch the items that others keep in their personal space. 

If you take them to your own work station without asking, that person will be missing their supplies and they may get annoyed.  If you need to borrow a work-related item from a co-worker, it is okay to ask. 

icon of a clockAlways return the item as soon as you are finished with it.  As a general guideline, you should return a work-related item to a co-worker within 10 minutes of borrowing it. While it is okay to ask to borrow work-related items, it is not okay to ask to borrow personal items. Why

Here are some examples of items that are OK to ask to borrow and items that are never OK to borrow:

Items that are OK to ask to borrow:
(Work-related items) Video

Items that are not OK to ask to borrow:
(Personal items) Video

checkmarkPen

XMoney

checkmarkPaper

XFood

checkmarkStapler

XDrinks

checkmarkEnvelopes

XLip balm

checkmarkScissors

XClothing (such as a jacket or sweater)

checkmarkTape

XHairbrush or hair bands

checkmarkHole punch

XWork gloves

checkmarkPaper clips

XCell phone

checkmarkWork tools

XTheir car

checkmarkOther small work-related supplies

Xipod

Here are more rules about personal items: 

  • icon of refridgerator Do not take food or drinks out of a shared refrigerator unless you paid for them or brought them from your home. 

  • icon of purseNever open your co-workers’ desk drawers, lockers, or bags. This would be an invasion of their personal space. That is not okay! 

  • icon of penMany work places have lots of supplies and equipment. For example, an office might have a lot of file folders, pens, paper clips, or envelopes on stock.  A restaurant may have extra jars of ketchup, flatware, and napkins on stock.  These items belong to the work place and even though there are extra supplies, do not take them home with you. Taking something without permission is the same as stealing. 
Key Points
  • You can ask to borrow work-related items.
  • Return these items promptly (usually within 10 minutes).
  • You should not borrow or ask to borrow personal items (e.g., food, money).
  • Do not take things out of a shared refrigerator unless you brought them from home yourself. 
  • Never open the desk drawers, lockers, or bags of your supervisor or co-workers.
  • Do not take work supplies home without permission.

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