Speaker A. I think there is too much competition at work nowadays. Everybody is longing for promotion and often trying to move on to a better position in another company. On the contrary, teamwork aims at a company’s accomplishments. When employees understand they can get ahead with their own company, they cooperate with colleagues and work more effectively to get better common and personal results.

Speaker В. It’s very important to understand people around you. If you are a manager, you’d better take time and listen to your colleagues, employees, face to face, if possible. Pay attention to non-⁠verbal ways of communication, as appropriate gestures and eye contact can do more than even words of praise or criticism. The same piece of advice goes to employees. Explain to your management your decisions in detail and you‘ll get a reputation as a well-⁠balanced person and better career prospects.

Speaker С. I think it is difficult for men and women to work in the same space. Women are more creative and emotional whereas men are more logical and better organized. Women want to feel, men want to think. Any department, if it considers these differences, will be much better off with men and women working separately, without distracting each other, causing conflicts and misunderstandings.

Speaker D. What I dislike about some offices is that there is too much gossip there. It does not depend on who dominates there  — men or women. Actually, men are sometimes even worse! It gets on my nerves when people begin to discuss their manager, the latest teambuilding activity or their domestic affairs. It distracts me and is simply unpleasant. To create some personal space and work effectively, I listen to music instead.

Speaker E. I think there should be a law for people not to go to work if they are ill or upset. To work effectively is simply impossible if someone is coughing or wants to scream at you instead of listening to your requests or suggestions. Any manager must ensure that the office environment is calm and appropriate for work. To introduce some relaxation techniques might be a good idea as well.

Speaker F. What is important in any office is that you get a clear explanation of what exactly to do from your management. There should not be any room for confusion or misinterpretation. If instructions can be understood as suggestions, there will not be any result. Instructions in the written form are simply perfect. If you are provided with details of a desirable result, this will be a key to completing the task successfully, I think.