Office spaces can be tricky to figure out. Your colleagues may be your friends, but the setting changes all the dynamics. What are the rules when you’re all just hanging out at the coffee machine? Can you exchange some juicy stories or is it still strictly formal? We tell you how to strike the perfect balance with these do’s and don’ts.

Workplace don’ts:

Maintain a fair sense of modesty and don’t be an attention seeker.

Avoid idle gossip about your boss or about other colleagues.

Do not ever ‘bad mouth’ your colleagues, in fact, don’t bad mouth anyone. Slander will only land you in trouble.

Don’t involve yourself in conversations that have sexual or racial overtones.

Don’t try to impress and court favour with your boss or immediate supervisors. Let your work speak for your recognition.

Don’t assume that everything is acceptable practice in either conversations or actions. When you’re unsure, send out feelers and read the room.