How do I address people at work?

Question

I have recently joined a new office, where most people are on first name terms.But other than that, the atmosphere is quite formal and stuffy. Trouble is, I need to interact with mostly those who are senior to me. To add to it, I'm female, others are mostly males. I can't seem to figure out how to address these guys--"Mr............." sounds tooooo formal, "....... ji" is not the culture around, n addressing every person as "Sir" is sumthing I'm not comfortable with. Another thing, is approaching them for chit chat a gud idea,, since they're definitely not doing it???

Answer 1

This comes with age, because when I was younger, I would have gone ahead and used first names, but I urge you to consider starting off with Mr. or Ms. and wait to be invited to use first names...

It might happen quickly, it might not.

As far as chitchat goes, you can try, and you'll get the vibe from individuals about how that goes over.

Answer 2

Avoid the chit chat. That's a good way to start some nasty office politics.

As far as addressing your coworkers, give as you get: if they address you by your first name, address them by their first name. The exception to this rule is the most senior person in the office, then usually Mr. or Ms. Listen to how they address each other, and their superiors and follow suit.

Answer 3

Approach it one of two ways: (1) If you have round table discussions about office matters from time-to-time, bring up the situation then. (2) Ask them to meet with you over drinks or cofee after work. Tell them it's a business matter and, since you are "the new kid on the block", you need a few pointers to make your adaption to the team better. Even "stuffy" people usually understand that.

Answer 4

Try "Mr" and their first name..."Mr" Pete, "Miss" Marty, etc. Most adults are comfortable with that degree of formality/informality.
Of course, I recommend that you ask first, or listen to what some of your co-workers are calling them. As you become more comfortable with them, the names may be changed, but to begin with some degree is usually acceptable. However, I strongly recommend anyone that is considered to be a superior by called the formal "Mr Crandall" unless told otherwise.

Answer 5

You just ask, when they introduce themselves, or you are introduced to them. If the introduction includes first and last names ask "Do you prefer to be called Mr.________" or do I call you Mr., something like that. Or you use Mr. or Mrs. until you are told by them not to, of course if the introduction is no first name just Mr/Mrs, or if there is no introduction, you call your superiors Mr. and Mrs. until you are told differently. You only chit chat with a superior when they initialize it. It's better to err on the side of "too formal" than "too casual".

Answer 6

Ask them how they prefer to be addressed. If you are uncomfortable with their wishes, then it's up to you to adapt.

Because you are new, do not initiate chit chat with others, but be friendly nonetheless. Follow the lead of your coworkers for the time being until you find your niche within the office.

Answer 7

Address them as mister so and so or ms so and so. They will tell you when to address them by their first name. When they do it is then okay for you to approach them for a chit chat.

Answer 8

I would call them Mr. or sir until they suggest something different.

Answer 9

Your bosses - Sir and Mam or their name.
Anyone else by their name

Answer 10

Try the first name.. they may be senior to you.. but it isn't like theys would call you Ms/Mrs. NAME