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20 GIFs From ‘The Office’ That Teach Valuable Work Lessons

On May 16, 2013, the American version of the “The Office” aired its series finale, bringing an end to eight seasons of solid television comedy. Steve Carell led the talented cast as Michael Scott, a lovable (though often inappropriate) boss at a paper company in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The show’s popularity and influence endures; it’s reportedly the most popular stream on Netflix.

Part of what makes “The Office” so unforgettable is the fact that the people on the show and the moments they experienced in the workplace and beyond were so relatable. Even if the circumstances became exaggerated (and hysterical), they were always grounded in some truth. And, somewhat surprisingly, even those comedic moments included valuable work lessons.

Here are 20 of the most memorable and helpful lessons about doing your work, approaching work, surviving office life, and — of course — dealing with other people you work that can be gleaned from “The Office.”

Read the Room

Depending on the industry, some work environments can be more casual than others. But depending on the rapport you have with your coworkers, it’s almost always inappropriate to tell certain offensive or borderline offensive jokes. That doesn’t mean you can’t mess around and have plenty of personality, especially if you work in a more relaxed atmosphere. But there’s a time and a place to be playful and a time and a place to be more focused and respectful. Make sure you’re able to distinguish between the two.

Be Respectful of Coworkers’ Personal Space

Speaking of showing respect, it’s almost always inappropriate to cross personal space boundaries set by your coworkers. Of course, in “The Office” Pam and Jim have a love saga for the ages, so there are some boundaries crossed there. But in real life, it’s often discouraged to date coworkers for various reasons. And it’s never okay to objectify or hit or even touch a peer in a way that could be interpreted as inappropriate. As the HR representative in the show, Toby should know this better than anyone.

Whining Isn’t Helpful

Even though it may feel like you’re “problem solving,” the truth is whining is counter-productive. Whenever you’re complaining, you’re not adding value to the conversation or to your work environment. The same could be said for office gossip, too. Even though it’s humorous in a TV show, it’s not in the real world.

Don’t Be Afraid to Set Boundaries

It’s easy to get overzealous and excited about a project or the people you work with. This happens most often at a new job or when some new major project arises. Oftentimes, this could mean that more expectations are placed on you (read: more work, longer hours) without any additional compensation or a clear payoff. And sometimes, you may find yourself oversharing with office workers or feeling pressured to engage in all sorts of social activities that affect both your work and your life outside of work. Learning to say no and to set specific boundaries for yourself is invaluable when it comes to your growth, balance and overall happiness.