Elevator Etiquette

Elevator rides do not last long, the space is small, and at times the crowd is large. To make these short rides in a confined space bearable we must all practice some elevator etiquette.

We all need to do our part and practice proper elevator etiquette in order to be courteous and considerate with everyone.

Follow these simple elevator etiquette;

When entering the elevator enter all the way to the back if you are going to the high floors, stay in the front if you are exiting on a low floor

Men should allow women to enter and exit first by holding the door if possible

If the elevator is very crowded it is acceptable for men to exit before women

If the elevator is crowded and you are near the buttons you should offer to press the floor number for people that cannot reach or are not near the door

If the elevator is crowded and you are near the door but it is not your floor, you should exit hold the door for people to exit and enter, and then go back inside

It is not proper to stand very close to people, if the elevator is overcrowded wait for the next one

There is no need to start a conversation with people in the elevator, you can say a quick hello and wait for your floor

It is not etiquette to talk on the phone in the elevator (if you have signal)

If you are in the elevator with another person it is not proper to talk loudly, respect others, they do not want to hear or be part of your conversation

If you see someone running towards the elevator and the elevator is not crowded, keep the door open for him

If the elevator is not crowded always stand at a distance from other people, at separate corners

Do not eat your lunch or drink your coffee in the elevator it can be messy and dangerous

Behave appropriately; if you are riding with a friend or partner no need to act like you are in your private home, there are other people around as well as cameras in most elevators, so no extreme displays of affection please

If you are waiting for the elevator always stand on the right, never in front of the doors so not to disturb people when exiting

Only when everyone exits the elevator should you enter

If there are people in line ahead of you or people waiting before you let them enter first, it is not proper to cut the line

If you are standing all the way to the back of the elevator and your floor is coming up, you can let people know politely that you are exiting on the next floor, when people move aside to let you out do not forget to thank them

If you are carrying bags, brief case it should be on the floor in front of you, or hold it close to you in front

When the elevator is crowded always face the doors when standing, no need to make eye contact or to stare at anyone