CLEVELAND, Ohio – We don’t have assigned seats at work, as we have an open concept. Out of habit the people seemed to have “picked” a spot of their own. Since they are in the office most days and at approximately the same time they always go to the same chair, desk, area.
One day I came in a little later than normal and there was someone in my spot. I looked at them and thought, “What is going on?” They see me sitting there every day. Why would they sit there?”
I didn’t say anything and just found another spot but felt out of sorts for that day and strange to be sitting away from those I normally sit by. Should I have said something? Do I have a right to say something?
Remember in school when you sat at the same table with the same group of people at lunch? Even though it wasn’t “assigned” everyone knew that was where you sat, and people respected that.
Answer: I relate as we are creatures of habit, but sadly if you don’t have “assigned seating” then open spaces are up for grabs. You could try to leave something personal behind at your spot so that it appears that the space is occupied. This could be as simple as a box of tissues, a chair cushion, a small photo or trinket.
If you know the individual that sat in your spot you could just mention that you typically sit in that spot and that you were just running late that day.
Of course, this would also only apply if there aren’t sufficient empty spaces to accommodate all the people that would be in the office. Then they may not have had any other option but to sit at the only available empty space.
On the flip side, you may end up sitting next to someone that you normally wouldn’t talk to and this could give you the opportunity to chat and get to know someone new. Who knows? You may like that new spot more.
With remote and hybrid work, gone are the days in most places where you have your own assigned cube or space so you may have to adjust.
Check out even more prior Ask Yadi columns here.
Do you have a question or an etiquette predicament that you want advice on? Send me an “Ask Yadi” email at yrodriguez@cleveland.com
Yadi Rodriguez, columnist for Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer