Many people feel confused about how to take an elevator. Do you have to hold the door? Should you talk to fellow passengers or should you avoid eye contact? For some people, taking the elevator can be stressful due to claustrophobia, fear of heights, or social anxiety. No matter where you are, whether at work, on campus, or in a high-rise apartment building, it never hurts to be polite in the elevator. Every year there are 120 billion trips in an elevator, but some people don't understand how to be in an elevator. Here are some steps to ensure you adhere to proper elevator etiquette so that you and your fellow passengers can enjoy a comfortable journey.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Practicing Good Etiquette When Entering Elevators
Step 1. Stand on the right
While waiting for the elevator, do not stand in the way of the door. Someone may be out on this floor, and you should always let someone else out before trying to enter. Stand on the right side of the door so that the left and center are open to people getting out of the elevator. Don't get into the elevator until everyone has left.
Step 2. Hold the door if the situation permits
There is much debate on this one: should you hold the door or not? When deciding whether or not to close the door, use the following suggestions to guide you:
- Don't hold the door if the elevator you're driving is full. You'll slow down everyone in the elevator and cram one other person into a tight space.
- If you are alone in an elevator, holding the door for people approaching it is good elevator etiquette.
- Don't hold the door open for a friend or colleague to go to do something else, like get coffee or go to the toilet. If the elevator is full, never hold the door for more than 15-20 seconds.
Step 3. Don't try to squeeze into a full elevator
When the elevator doors open but find that the elevator is full, don't try to squeeze in if there isn't enough space left for you. If you're already in line and the lift is full before you can get in, wait patiently for the next lift to arrive.
Don't have someone else hold the door for you. If you can't get to the lift before the doors close, wait for the next lift politely rather than being rude. The people in the elevator think their time is as valuable as your own
Step 4. Take on the role of a pusher
If you are standing near the button, accept the request to press the button in case someone asks for it. You can also ask the person who just got into the elevator what floor he or she is going to.
Don't ask someone to press the button for you, unless you really can't press the button yourself
Step 5. Move backwards
When stepping into an elevator, line up neatly so that there is room for other people entering behind you or entering from a different floor. Stand furthest from the door if you are the last person to exit the elevator. If you're taking the elevator to the ground floor or top floor, it's a good idea to stand farthest from the door after getting into the elevator. That way, you won't get in the way of others and cause discomfort.
If you happen to be at the front, make sure you step out of the elevator as the doors open on each floor. When you're outside the door, hold onto the elevator door with your hand while people from the back of the elevator step out
Step 6. Get out quickly
When you reach the destination floor, exit quickly so that people already waiting at the door can get into the elevator. Don't worry about whether you should let other people out first, unless they're going out on the same floor as well. Just get out quickly and orderly. Do not elbow or push other people to the ground when you are trying to get out.
If you're in the back, let me know that you'll be out on the next floor. A simple sentence like “Excuse me, I'll be out on the next floor” will suffice. Then, try to get to the front, or wait for the elevator to stop
Step 7. Consider using stairs
If you're only going to the first, second, or third floor, try taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Unless you're injured, unable to climb stairs, or carry heavy items, it's best not to use the elevator to go up only one floor. Using the elevator to go up two or three floors, especially at busy times, can also be considered bad etiquette. Prioritize lifts for people who have to climb to high floors or those who are unable to climb stairs.
Step 8. Respect the queue
If the elevator is busy enough that people are waiting in line, never jump in line. Wait your turn just like everyone else. If you are in a hurry, try to arrive early or use the stairs.
Part 2 of 2: Practicing Good Etiquette While in Elevators
Step 1. Speak as necessary
One of the biggest problems with elevator etiquette is not knowing whether to make small talk or not. Most people are hesitant to engage in conversation while in an elevator. If you have to say something, lighten the mood politely. There's nothing wrong with saying "Good morning" or "Hello" to other people.
- If you're with someone, don't continue the conversation while in the elevator while someone else is there. Postpone the conversation until you get to your destination.
- If you want to talk to a colleague in the elevator, try to keep the conversation light. Never gossip or discuss private or confidential information while in an elevator.
Step 2. Respect personal space
It must be really annoying to find someone standing about 15 cm from you in a full elevator. If the elevator is full, allow as much space as possible without intruding on the privacy of others or yourself. Follow these guidelines when standing in an elevator:
- If you find one or two other people in the elevator, stand on different sides.
- If there are four people in the elevator, stand in each corner.
- If there are five or more people, spread out so that everyone gets the same space in the elevator.
Step 3. Face forward
Making brief eye contact, smiling, and nodding your head is considered normal when entering an elevator. After that, turn around and face the door. Turning their backs on the door and facing other passengers is considered a serious ethical violation and can make some people feel very awkward.
Step 4. Put all the luggage on the feet
If you are carrying briefcases, handbags, backpacks, shopping bags and other bulky items, make sure to place them as low as possible, either in front of or beside you. The legs take up less space than the upper body, so there is more room for the bag.
If you're standing at the back of an elevator and carrying a large piece of luggage, try to keep things at the bottom, announcing the floor you're going to as the elevator moves closer to that floor. Apologize if you or your belongings accidentally bump into someone while stepping out
Step 5. Never talk on a cell phone
The biggest mistake in the elevator is talking on the phone. End all conversation before entering the elevator, or turn on silent mode until you exit the elevator again.
Step 6. Don't move too much
The space in the elevator is very limited, and in a busy office building, many people try to get into one elevator. Unnecessary movement can irritate other passengers, or cause you to make unwanted body contact. Shaking your feet, pacing, waving your hands, or other movements may cause you to nudge other passengers in an inappropriate manner.
Texting or busying yourself with a cell phone are common ways to avoid eye contact with strangers. However, don't text in a full elevator. Using a cell phone takes up space, which is very limited in an elevator, and your movements can bump into other people
Step 7. Think about body odor
Body hygiene must be considered every day, especially if you ride the elevator regularly. Small enclosed spaces can make body odor the center of attention. Try not to pass gas or burp while in the elevator. If you do, say sorry. Do not bring strong-smelling food into the elevator. It's best to bring food in a container. Never eat in an elevator. Don't spray perfume or apply lotion. Smells that you think are normal, can make other people very nauseous.
Tips
- There's nothing wrong with being nice. Say excuse me, thank you, and equally if the situation is right.
- It's becoming more and more common to signal someone standing or standing in the way of the door to shift sideways when you step out.
- If you see someone alone in an elevator and feel uncomfortable being in an enclosed space with that person, wait for the next lift.
- You may meet people who have no respect for ethics. Just ignore them, or politely ask them to stop doing anything that upsets you.
- Don't press all the buttons – even if it's very tempting. If you are riding in an elevator with children, never let them press all the buttons.
