Beyond.com, Inc., the largest niche career network for business professionals, polled business professionals throughout its network of more than 15,000 online communities to determine which popular TV show they thought most closely resembled their workplace environment.
More than 2,400 Beyond.com Network visitors responded to the poll, "What is your work environment most like?" Nearly 45 percent of professionals believe that their workplace is most like The Office, a widely popular satirical show based on the nine-to-five work world, where inappropriate remarks and practical jokes are common, and employees are not always as productive as they can be in the office.
Of the remaining respondents, more than 20 percent thought their workplace was most like MTV's The Real World, nearly 19 percent selected NBC's The Apprentice and more than 16 percent chose CBS' Big Brother as most like their place of work.
"Although The Office work environment can closely parody real life, the same office antics in a professional setting typically are not permitted," said Rich Milgram, CEO of Beyond.com, Inc. "Employees shouldn't take it to heart though, as it is still possible to create a fun and relaxed work environment, as long as everyone is aware of their boundaries and limits inside and outside the office."
The Beyond.com poll illustrated that many professionals relate to the The Office because they see comparable scenes played out in their own workplace. However, in reality, The Office tends to dramatize what takes place in the work environment, which can serve as a reminder of what not to do.
The extreme behaviors seen on The Office, such as flirtation, gossip, flattery and practical jokes could prove to be offensive and distracting in a real workplace. Here are a few simple guidelines that professionals should follow to help maintain a healthy work environment in their office:
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Respect fellow employees. Professionals should treat fellow colleagues with dignity and respect. It is important to avoid office gossip and ensure everyone's best interest is taken into consideration before engaging in a conversation about other employees.
- Show dedication. Rather than showering the boss with compliments, professionals should impress their leader by showing their dedication to the company, working hard and being a team player.
- Joke with care. Avoid jokes that can be hurtful or offensive to colleagues. Jokes regarding age, sexual orientation, race and ethnicity are never appropriate and should be avoided in a professional setting.
- Learn office guidelines. What may be flirting to you could be sexual harassment to someone else. To avoid uncertainty, employees should refer to their office's sexual harassment policy for further information on what is appropriate.
- Be productive and have fun. It is important for employees to have fun and enjoy going to work each day, however professionals should remain productive and focus on achieving their professional and personal goals.
To learn more business professional tips, please visit www.Beyond.com.
About Beyond.com, Inc.
Beyond.com, Inc., a full-service provider of career software and services, powering a network of more than 15,000 highly niche-specific communities, is dedicated to helping business professionals, corporations and vertical communities connect with each other by providing relevant search and networking tools for every stage of career, business and life. Product and service categories include: careers and recruitment, HR technologies, education, search engines, life management and networking. Beyond.com is a Safeguard Scientifics partner company.
Source: Business Wire. Powered by Yellowbrix.
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