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Mayank

Mayank Rautela  | Answer  |Ask -

HR Expert - Answered on May 18, 2022

Mayank Rautela is the group chief human resources officer at Apollo Hospitals.
A management graduate from the Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies with a master's degree in labour laws from Pune University, Rautela has over 20 years of experience in general management, strategic human resources, global mergers and integrations and change management.... more
Anonymous Question by Anonymous on May 18, 2022Hindi
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Career

Hi Mayank.
My question may seem silly but it bothers me a lot.
I don’t smoke or drink but in my office a lot of people do.
A lot of bonding and work stuff happens on cigarette breaks and when people go out after work for a drink.
I have tried joining but things get a bit awkward because I don’t smoke or drink.
How do I break this barrier?

Ans:

Hi.

First of all, I am really happy to know that you don't drink or smoke; that’s really healthy.

Please don’t start to do so under social pressure or to get connected at work.

You can speak to the management and ask them to organise informal gatherings where drinking and smoking is not allowed.

Also, connect with people over a cup of coffee or tea.

Look for people who have similar habits like yours and bond with them.

 

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Rishta Guru - Answered on Jan 30, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 30, 2024Hindi
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I have recently started my first job in Delhi. The male to female ratio in the office is 60-40. Though some of the girls are pretty but I would like to maintain a proper office decorum. Please guide me as to how can I approach my female colleagues in order to avoid any misunderstanding or walking the wrong path.
Ans: Hello. That’s a rather thoughtful question.

Approaching your female colleagues in a professional and respectful manner is crucial to fostering a healthy work environment.
Here are some tips that can help you avoid misunderstandings while interacting with them:

1. Professionalism First: Regardless of their gender, treat all colleagues with the same level of professionalism. Focus on building work relationships based on mutual respect and common goals.

2. Respect Personal Space: Be mindful of personal space and boundaries. Avoid invading someone's personal space. Be aware of cultural differences that may influence personal boundaries.

3. Use Inclusive Language: Use inclusive language that promotes a sense of equality. Avoid making gender-specific comments or assumptions. Focus on work-related topics and common interests.

4. Be Mindful of Body Language: Pay attention to non-verbal cues and body language. If someone appears uncomfortable, adjust your behavior accordingly. Respect signals indicating when someone may need space or is not interested in engaging in conversation.

5. If you feel the need to give compliments, keep them professional and work-related. Complimenting someone on their professional achievements or contributions is generally safe.

6. Avoid Personal topics: Refrain from discussing personal or sensitive topics, especially in the early stages of getting to know your colleagues. Stick to neutral subjects related to work or common interests.

7. Office Events and Social Gatherings: Participate in office events and social gatherings where you can interact with colleagues in a more relaxed setting. This can contribute to building positive relationships outside of the formal work environment.

8. Request Feedback: If you are unsure about your interactions or if you want to ensure that your behavior is appropriate, consider seeking feedback from colleagues or mentors. Constructive feedback can help you improve and navigate workplace dynamics more effectively.

Remember, the key is to be respectful, considerate and professional in all interactions.

Building positive relationships with your colleagues, irrespective of their gender, will contribute to a more inclusive and supportive work environment.

All the best!

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Archana

Archana Deshpande  |113 Answers  |Ask -

Image Coach, Soft Skills Trainer - Answered on Dec 07, 2024

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Career
Hi, I have been an introvert guy for my whole life, but somehow I always got good colleagues which became great friends. But from last 5 years I am in a office where very few people works and that too they are not connected to me. Hence, I get a very little exposer with them. Feels so much lonely in office as there is not a lot of workload also. Most of my day goes watching reels on social media. Sometimes i forgot when last i smiled/laughed at office place where I spends 9 hours of my day (I do talk to my family over phone, but can't help my loneliness). what can I do....worried... A very lonely 45 year male.....
Ans: Dear Sunil,

No one is clear cut introvert or an extrovert, look at yourself closely too... in some circumstances you behave like an extrovert and some areas you behave like an introvert.

Be brave and say "hi" to people around you in the office, you be the first one to greet, this itself can be a starting point to making new friends. A smile and a pleasant "hi" is all it takes.
Look for opportunities to connect with ppl in the office, instead of sending mails or reminders to ppl electronically, just walk up to them and speak to them or call them up to say you have sent a mail/reminder. This way you can establish a human connect.
Also check if you can go to the dining area to eat lunch and during breaks.. do not sit at your desk and have lunch.
Social media and watching reels is a "big no" if you are yearning for human connections. I am glad you talk to your family...outside the office, join book clubs, singing clubs, drama clubs or anywhere your interest lies...you can join a classroom to learn and develop a new skill....

Also check if you are getting enough sleep, exercise, fresh air , sunshine during the day....focus on your diet too!!

Hope this helps... take care of yourself!

..Read more

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Namaste sir.. my son got 6640.5 rank in KCET spot ranking. He likes to pursue CSE or AI. Please suggest a good college wherehe can get seat. Further what is the difference between University or Autonomous college?
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So I'm getting NIT teri 1 msc in any of the three subjects,NIT tier2 civil mech branches,Lower nit's cse ece ee Maybe I have to wait for csab to get lower NIT cse/ece And pvt options are BMSCE CSE and RVCE ECE I have no interest in MSc
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Hello Sir My brother has scored 79.2% in JEE MAINS belongs to SC category. He wants to pursue CS or IT or any other specialised courses related to computer. He basically wants to get into coding. Please suggest some colleges he can get with this score. Thankyou Sir
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