We have all experienced an awkward, uncomfortable, or annoying moment when getting on, riding up or down, or exiting an elevator. The following are some elevator etiquette do’s and don’ts that will avoid making your 30-second ride feel like a 30-minute nightmare.
Don’t Push Your Way In
If the elevator door opens and you see a cubicle of people, packed in like sardines, smile pleasantly and say, “I will wait for the next elevator.” Rather than saying, “Is there room for two more?” People don’t want to be rude and say no, and will generally allow you to enter at the expense of the rest of the angry crowd.
Move to the Left or Right
When you step in the elevator and it’s not crowded, take the opposite side of where the person is already standing. This will leave enough room for others to step in on the next floor.
Face Forward
Common sense is not always so common. When you enter the elevator, take your place and face forward instead of facing another person. Even in a crowded elevator, when you know several people, it’s considered polite to face forward and give people some personal space.
Step Aside When People Are Exiting
As you enter the next floor, consider that the people behind you may be getting off on this floor and step to the side, or even out of the elevator if you are up front, and hold the door open as people depart.
Keep Your Volume Down
Use your “indoor voice” while you are in the elevator. Don’t put people on speaker phone or talk loudly on your ride up or down. You are in close proximity to others, and in earshot of everyone in the car.
Get on Quickly and Be Ready to Ride
If you are ready to get on the elevator but you are still waiting for a friend, or your mate, either meet them in the lobby or get off and take the next elevator. Holding the door open, waiting for your friend to arrive, is rude and holds everyone on other floors up.
Avoid Lengthy Conversations
Holding the door open while you finish the conversation delays the rest of the passengers. Even if there is no one else in the elevator, someone else on another floor is waiting for the elevator car to arrive on their floor.
Let People Know Where You Stand
If you are in the back of the elevator and need to get off, don’t feel embarrassed to say, “Excuse me. This is my floor.”
Be Mindful Scent Lingers
Remember you are in a public space, and heavy cologne, vaping, or any other type of offensive odor will linger for the next passenger.
Be Respectful of Public Property
The elevator is the same as the lobby or someone’s living room. You wouldn’t throw your gum wrapper on the floor or leave an empty coffee cup in the corner of a lobby. Remember, there could be cameras watching you.
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Diane Gottsman | Leading Etiquette Expert | Modern Manners Authority
