Private vs. Public Behaviors

In order to keep the job you want, there are a number of social norms (or rules) that you have to follow.  There are some behaviors that should only take place in private because it is not socially "acceptable" (not okay or not allowed) for these behaviors to be shown in public.  

What are examples of private behaviors?

Some of these behaviors are normal bodily functions, such as passing gas, burping, needing to scratch a private part, and blowing your nose.  However, these bodily functions should still only be done in private - when you are alone and in a private location.  Picking your nose Picking at your face (i.e. pimples) Picking scabs Passing gas Burping out loud Being undressed or partially dressed (i.e. no pants on) Scratching or touching your genital areas or bottom (outside or inside of your clothes) Masturbation Blowing your nose loudly Picking your teeth Repetitive behaviors / "Stimming" Where can you engage in these private behaviors?  Your bedroom Your bathroom Your home when you are alone The private bathroom stall at work

There are some private behaviors you should NEVER do at work, even in the bathroom:

1. You should never masturbate at work.  Masturbation should only be done in the privacy of your own bedroom or your bathroom at home.  
   
   
2. You should never undress or expose yourself at work. Taking off a jacket or sweatshirt is fine because you are not exposing yourself. Undressing in order to use the bathroom is okay as long as it is in the bathroom.

In addition to not doing these private behaviors in front of others, you should avoid talking about them.  These behaviors are not an appropriate topic of conversation because they are private. 

Specifically avoid discussing, engaging in, or showing these behaviors in the following places:

• Your work area or office
• Social networking sites (e.g. Facebook pages)
• Text messages
• Emails
• The break room / area at work
• Stores
• Restaurants
• School
• Your car (because other people can see you in it)
• Gyms
• Outdoors
• Anywhere else that is outside of your home or outside the bathroom stall at work

If other people saw or heard you doing these private behaviors, THEY might feel:  Uncomfortable Embarrassed Disgusted Shocked Angry Irritated Scared If other people saw or heard you doing that private behavior, YOU might feel: Uncomfortable Embarrassed Sad Angry

Where can you engage in private behaviors?  Your bedroom Your bathroom Your home when you are alone The private bathroom stall at work

What might happen if you engage in a private behavior in public?

• Your co-workers might avoid you.
  
  
• Your co-workers might gossip about you.
  
  
• Your co-workers might complain to your supervisor.
  
  
• Customers might complain to your supervisor.
  
  
• Your supervisor might reprimand you.
  
  
• You could even be fired if you engage in certain private behaviors in public (i.e. masturbation).