Personal Space

Your co-workers, supervisors, and customers should feel comfortable around you.  If you stand too close to someone when speaking to them, this will probably make them feel very uncomfortable.  No one likes it when their “personal space” is invaded.

On the other hand, if you stand too far away from someone when speaking to them, they may not know who you are talking to, or they may find it odd.  Finding the appropriate distance to keep when talking to someone can be tricky. 

Here are two ways of figuring out appropriate personal space:

1. Standing one arm’s length away is a good rule when talking to someone.
   
   
   • Do not actually put your arm out to see if you are one arm’s length away - this would look odd.  Just imagine that distance in your mind when you are talking to someone.
     
     
2. You could also look at the ground and make sure you are one giant step away from the person you are talking to. 

Check out this chart to see examples of appropriate versus inappropriate personal space at work:

Appropriate Distance Too Close!

In addition to keeping appropriate distance when talking with someone, it is also important to avoid touching someone else in a way that might make them feel uncomfortable.  As a general guideline, shaking hands is the only physical contact you should make with people at work.

No one likes it when their “personal space” is invaded. Standing one arm’s length away is a good rule when talking to someone. You could also look at the ground and make sure you are one giant step away from the person you are talking to.  With the exception of handshakes, you should keep your hands to yourself at work.