Here if a door is closed, it usually means there's someone else in there and it's serious enough to not have everyone else hear. So, I listen at the door :0
We have clear windows next to the door so everyone hand signals. Otherwise I would send an IM of the door was closed.
This is us too. I'll kind of pause and look at them, sometimes they signal to come back later, sometimes they wave me in. So I don't really have to knock. If it's not something I need urgently, I'll just turn around and try later though, which is more often the case.
In our office, a door closed means they're either extremely busy and don't want to be interrupted or are having a conversation that shouldn't be overheard. So no one knocks, they just keep walking and come back when the door is open.
Unless you're the owner. His door is always closed and everyone knocks.
Post by twilightmv on Sept 21, 2018 14:02:06 GMT -5
I have a door. I shut it for phone calls, private meetings, and lunch. Most of the time people come back later. I have a curtain so people can vaguely see me, so sometimes if it’s urgent they will try to catch my eye. I’ll either wave them in or shake my head.
Post by mrsjuleshs on Sept 21, 2018 14:59:32 GMT -5
In my office, I can see through the door to see if they are on a call or have someone in their office. If I'm just dropping off a delivery, I knock and sneak in real quick to drop whatever it is off (usually food).
Post by dottyblue on Sept 21, 2018 17:47:02 GMT -5
I have had to talk to my team about this. I have highly confidential phone calls and sometimes employee paperwork out in my office. If my door is shut it’s for a reason, and mail deliveries/non-urgent discussions can wait. I can see you through the side-light; I’ll come find you when I’m done.
It definitely depends on the office culture though.
Post by closertofine on Sept 21, 2018 17:54:48 GMT -5
I'm in a school, so our only comparable doors are for the principal and guidance counselor. If either of their doors is shut, that is a do not disturb signal, and I'll email or stop back later.
If it’s someone that doesn’t normally keep their door closed, I do not knock and I return at a later time.If it is someone that keeps their door closed, I usually listen for a second to see if I hear anyone talking (if I don’t, I knock) and I purposely avoid going to their office around lunchtime.
Post by nextbigthing on Sept 21, 2018 18:38:44 GMT -5
I put a sticky note on my door that says "on a conference call" anytime I need a few minites.
It shocks me that people will walk in my office, see I'm with someone and just start right on talking! I have a new woman that walked in while I was with the CEO and head of accounting (I'm the President so we are the top 3 people in the 40 employee company) and she just totally interrupted and started talking. I told her we needed a few and she still didnt shut up! This is a 50 year old woman.
Post by calmcosmo on Sept 21, 2018 19:56:08 GMT -5
I'm a school counselor so people are usually respectful when my door is closed because it usually means a kid wants privacy. I also have an assistant 15 feet from my office door that they can clarify with before interrupting. That said, yes, I do have some rude co-workers who think students can just pause and wait while they ask me questions about silly things like the master schedule. Those people usually get a blank stare from me.
I agree that it is an office culture thing. There are 10 counselors in my department (I work at a huge K-12 school) and we all very much respect that closed doors mean privacy and to try again later.
Post by sarahsays on Sept 21, 2018 21:54:56 GMT -5
I knock if the door is closed or almost closed.
My College's offices are on a floor with multiple classrooms so a lot of people work with their doors closed or very slightly cracked to minimize the noise of the lectures and students gathering in the halls for classes.
If I don't hear voices (our doors and walls are thin), then I'll knock. A closed door doesn't have any specific meaning in our office. A lot of people close or leave their doors slightly ajar just to filter outside noise from the clerical cubicles, or to filter the sound of audio recordings they're listening to from going out into the hallway.
As a rule, I don't go looking for anyone during our standard lunch hours unless it's a true emergency.
My boss often changes into his gym clothes when he closes his door near lunch or end of day. He also closes it when he’s working on bonuses or sensitive emails. He has his door closed so rarely, I email or come back later.