I did try googling this but nothing came up. Without a doubt I know that it’s a stupid question but I still remain unsure. I suffer from asthma (nothing major, just need to use my puffer in the winter months). My work consists of an open floor plan with desk spaces (I.e: no offices or private walls between desks etc). Is it rude to take my puffer in front of people? If so, would it be more appropriate for me to go to the rest room and use it? I don’t want to draw attention to myself but I feel like if I go to the rest rooms to take it and someone from my team walks in, it may be more attention drawing. I am just not sure what the proper etiquette is. I don’t need it every hour or anything but there are times when I DO need to use it, especially in the mornings when I get to work and have been outside commuting in the cold weather, but just don’t know what the correct etiquette is. Can anyone please advise?
Re: Office Etiquette
When in office, draw out your puffer from the bag, flash it to evryone, then ask
"Paa Jee Ijazat ae"
And take your puffer.
Alternatively, show them the house video clip of the woman taking puffer and then take yours and tell them thats the right way.
Re: Office Etiquette
^ If you tried to be funny, you failed miserably. I sure hope your humour isn't what you rely on to get around.
Re: Office Etiquette
I did try googling this but nothing came up. Without a doubt I know that it's a stupid question but I still remain unsure. I suffer from asthma (nothing major, just need to use my puffer in the winter months). My work consists of an open floor plan with desk spaces (I.e: no offices or private walls between desks etc). Is it rude to take my puffer in front of people? If so, would it be more appropriate for me to go to the rest room and use it? I don't want to draw attention to myself but I feel like if I go to the rest rooms to take it and someone from my team walks in, it may be more attention drawing. I am just not sure what the proper etiquette is. I don't need it every hour or anything but there are times when I DO need to use it, especially in the mornings when I get to work and have been outside commuting in the cold weather, but just don't know what the correct etiquette is. Can anyone please advise?
I suffered from Asthma some years back, I was having it since birth.
Anything that's not normal/common, medically speaking, you should take it to rest room.
I used to do it off the field in locker room when I was young. Because I was young.
Had I still be on puffs, I'd have chosen to do in privacy under the umbrella of manners "OR" ethics., without any shame.
People flag stereotypes pretty quick.
Re: Office Etiquette
My work consists of an open floor plan with desk spaces (I.e: no offices or private walls between desks etc). Is it rude to take my puffer in front of people? If so, would it be more appropriate for me to go to the rest room and use it? I don't want to draw attention to myself but I feel like if I go to the rest rooms to take it and someone from my team walks in, it may be more attention drawing. I am just not sure what the proper etiquette is. I don't need it every hour or anything but there are times when I DO need to use it, especially in the mornings when I get to work and have been outside commuting in the cold weather, but just don't know what the correct etiquette is. Can anyone please advise?
Yes, go to the restroom, empty/secluded hallway or break room to use the puffer. The only time it's ok to use it on your desk is if it's a medial emergency and you are unable to walk somewhere else. In the morning when you get inside the building, go to the restroom or break room first, use the puffer, and THEN go to your desk. And I wouldn't worry about drawing attention if you're doing it in the restroom or break room. For the most part, this isn't much different than making a personal call, fixing your make-up/hair etc. No one will think twice if they see/hear you doing it in the break room/restroom......but it's a different story if you're seen doing it on your desk.
Also, since you use the puffer on a regular basis, its probably best not to do it on your desk where multiple people can see just how often you use it and may wonder about your health. They may not ask you any questions but you don't want them to think that you're not 100% healthy. There are many ignorant people out there.
Re: Office Etiquette
Hey. Dont be affected by responses that arent serious. :) if you feel like you need privacy and dont want to draw attention to yourself, go to the pantry/washroom to use the puffer. when it's an emergency, you can do it on ur desk. that's what i would have done.
Re: Office Etiquette
When you have an asthma attack, don't die trying to get to the bathroom to use. Just use it right then and there - THATS THE ETIQUETTE. I would even pump breast milk in front of those losers. But sadly i don't have tits
Re: Office Etiquette
A girl in my class had asthma, and the construction going around made it worse. She kept her inhalers on her table, didnt look odd to me at all, and why would it honestly? A lot of people have asthma. But if you dont feel comfortable using it in front of everyone, just take it to the restroom. If someone sees you taking it there, thats not your problem really.
Re: Office Etiquette
I did try googling this but nothing came up. Without a doubt I know that it's a stupid question but I still remain unsure. I suffer from asthma (nothing major, just need to use my puffer in the winter months). My work consists of an open floor plan with desk spaces (I.e: no offices or private walls between desks etc). Is it rude to take my puffer in front of people? If so, would it be more appropriate for me to go to the rest room and use it? I don't want to draw attention to myself but I feel like if I go to the rest rooms to take it and someone from my team walks in, it may be more attention drawing. I am just not sure what the proper etiquette is. I don't need it every hour or anything but there are times when I DO need to use it, especially in the mornings when I get to work and have been outside commuting in the cold weather, but just don't know what the correct etiquette is. Can anyone please advise?
I wouldn't mind if I saw someone using an inhaler. Don't think most people would to be honest and it's not that attention drawing anyway. Asthma and inhalers are very common. Besides, it's not like you're making your co-workers inhale it!
This is a non-issue, relax and do whatever you're comfortable with :)
Re: Office Etiquette
why is it an issue? its not like you are creating any discomfort for anyone - so?
Re: Office Etiquette
I don't think people would mind you using your inhaler in front of them tbh. I use mine in front of other people i don't really know, for as long as my health is concerned, I could care less what other people thought. I don't see how using an inhaler is different to taking a tablet for other illnesses etc. Also having asthma is quite common so a lot of people would know about it im assuming.
Re: Office Etiquette
it's really not an issue.
Re: Office Etiquette
I have asthma...my inhaler comes out as needed and most of the time its discreetly because that way people don't ask questions.
But to be honest, I don't think I'd mind if I saw someone using it at their desk. Its not really a big issue.
Re: Office Etiquette
First I was surprised that you are even asking this question but then I was even more surprised to see some of the responses.
No one should have a problem with you using your medicine and if some people have problem they can go to hell. In my humble opinion.
Re: Office Etiquette
I woukd have absolutely no issues with someone using their inhaler at their desk. Most of my colleagues wouldn't either. There is nothing rude or shameful or indiscreet about tending to your health needs.
Loud talkers in an open office are the problem. Not those who use tools to keep themselves healthy.
I did note you indicated you yourself felt uncomfortable using the inhaler at your desk. If this discomfort stems from what others would think, perish the thought.
People with Asthma even excel in sports. (Rodney Hogg, well before you time, came to mind).
Good luck.