You’ve forgotten how to use an elevator. Lift your game

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The WFH phenomenon born of the global pandemic has left an indelible mark on our day-to-day lives. Working from home has likely sharpened the skill sets of many; at the very least most people have become more tech-savvy. Who knew you could give an international presentation in your pyjamas with a red kelpie named Bobby lying at your feet?

But despite our pets’ protests, we can’t stay at home in our PJs forever. Whether voluntarily or at the beckoning of the boss, most people have crept from their COVID fallout shelters and back into the real world.

Refresher course required. Credit: iStock

Some have had to relearn forgotten skills such as ironing a shirt, being courteous to other drivers, or selflessly sharing a bus or train carriage while sneezing into their elbow and not coughing even if they really, really, really need to. Yet, there is one basic social practice many still need to reacquaint themselves with and which, if not remedied quickly, could have significant consequences for the re-establishment of modern civilisation.

The skill of which I speak is basic elevator etiquette.

At least twice a day (because what goes up must come down), I suppress the urge to preach to my captive audience the basic rules that will ensure us a peaceful and efficient vertical journey. The 10 commandments of elevator etiquette are simple and easy to remember:

Elevator etiquette is universal. It is set in stone. So, as we all learn to live together once more, review your elevator etiquette or start taking the stairs.

Brad Emery is a freelance contributor and a graduate of the School for Elevator Etiquette.