The only things that belong on the dining table are food, the vessels that food is served in, crockery, and cutlery. All non-food items do not belong on the table. Your elbows on the table takes up space meant for for food and food related items. It also contributes to bad posture. You pretty much have to slouch in order to get your elbows on the table. A healthy and elegant posture requires that you sit up with your shoulders and your back straight. Slouching is unacceptable under any circumstances. Plus putting up your elbows is a great way to block your neighbor from trying to have a conversation with you. It can be perceived as hostile body language meant to make it clear that you don’t want to engage with whoever is sitting next to you. Additionally, your elbows are dirty. We routinely wash our hands throughout the day. We specifically wash hands before we eat. However, we do not wash elbows as standard operating procedure, so your dirty elbows don’t belong on the dining table.
Having random items like a cellphone, purse or keys on the table is unhygienic. Everything on the table should be clean enough to eat from. You are causing cross contamination by adding items to the table that are not meant to be part of the meal. These are items that you lay on all types of surfaces in public, in the restroom, and other random places. There is only one exception to the rule, and that is a centerpiece. But the centerpiece is not a personal item or accessory that you carry on your person on a daily basis. You can place small items discreetly in your lap, but never on the table.
How many people should be allowed in an elevator at the same time?
Mask restrictions are lifted in many instances, and CDC guidelines are more relaxed. During the height of the pandemic, some buildings only allowed one elevator occupant at a time. But that is not going to work with many of us returning to our offices. How many people are you comfortable with in a small space such as an elevator?
Can you ask your co-workers if they are vaccinated?
No. The COVID19 virus is a public health crisis. We will not go over the number of needless fatalities that occurred as a result of the pandemic.
We are now at a point where everyone has access to the vaccine and many people are required to report to the office on a full time basis. Some people will be vaccinated and others will not. Companies cannot make it mandatory for employees to be vaccinated, but can enforce restrictions based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Why shouldn’t we ask our coworkers if they are vaccinated?
It is none of your business. Getting the vaccine is a personal choice. The reasons for not getting the vaccine could be medical, religious, or out of fear. Or no reason at all.
It could lead to discrimination. The impact may be on both sides of the issue where someone is treated differently because of their decision regarding the vaccine.
The decision regarding vaccination has become a political and social statement in some circles. Revealing your vaccination status or asking for anyone else’s has the potential to escalate into topics that should not be discussed in a professional work environment.
