I get the impression that a lot of us suddenly feel uncomfortable when we're alone in the elevator with a janitor, as if we should talk to them so that we don't come across as acting superior to them. But why do we feel we need to make the effort to talk to janitors, if we never talk to higher ranking employees either?
I think it's because (most of) society has been taught that we should be grateful for people who are in jobs of physical labor and service that the rest of society normally wouldn't want to be in, jobs we wouldn't normally want to do. And I think it's a good thing to be taught. We should be grateful.
That said, I work at a medical clinic. I talk to our maintenance/facilities/janitorial staff almost daily. I currently work in Behavioral Health, and before that I did IT here as well. I've never had a problem talking to them. And during the summer, when I see they're working outside, I try to buy them something cold from our machines when I can afford it. I've let them know many times before that I appreciate what they do here.
That said, it's possible that you want to show you appreciate them as well, the way we've been taught to, and just don't know how to do it, how to initiate the conversation, etc. You might just introduce yourself next time you see one of them, if you don't know their name and you suspect they don't know yours. "Hi, I don't think I've ever heard your name. I'm Bethany!" (assuming that's your real name?) And just let them know "I just wanted to say thank you for what you do here. I know we'd fall apart without you. You guys are amazing and I'm not sure there's anything I can do to help you, but let me know if you need anything and I'll see if I can help in some way." They won't take you up on your offer, because most people have a sense of pride in taking care of themselves, plus they're not going to ask you to help with their job, it's what they're paid for. But it'll still make them feel good that you recognized them. Then just say hi to them each day when you can. Ask them how they're doing. That sort of thing. Small talk like you might with a coworker.
If you are a decent person at all, you need to practice small talk daily. If you recognize you're a bit of an ass, it's good to hold back.
You don't feel guilty about the higher-ups' small talk because of how easy it is to make an ass of yourself, but you should if you are a good person. Small talk can go a long way and can be the difference between being promoted or not. If you are truly a decent person with practice in small talk, stop being shy.
You feel guilty around the janitorial staff because you should talk to them since they are the best and most reliable people you work with. "Love everything you do because you are the only one making everything possible." Let's be honest, it's true. You love them for that and need to express that. That's why you are an above-decent person and should get promoted over others.
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8Opinion
I make a small talk to everyone 😂 but it just because I enjoy talking. If i go to mall, supermarket, or just nearby park. 90% of the people will smile and greet me. Even mall security guard. Like they’re my friends. Once I went with friends who’s visiting me from other city. And she asked why everyone here know you, do u work here? I was like nah. I just talk too much. If u let me start talking, I won’t let you rest😂😂😂
I personally would talk to both "higher" and "lower" ranked employees equally. In fact I don't think of them in that way anyways. They are just people and if you are in a confined space like an elevator with them then it's polite to at least smile if not make some small talk just to make the ride less uncomfortable.
You should be able to talk to anyone, we’re all human and want to be liked and loved. I get if you’re not in a good mood, you can still be polite and say hi otherwise there’s no reason not to say a few words could actually make someone’s day might be more of a new issue than anything else. We should never have an inferiority complex or superiority complex with anyone ever
Because you don’t feel the need to virtue signal and act magnanimous and gracious to your peers—but when someone who IS “less than” you on the socioeconomic ladder you feel a twinge of guilt at the thought of sharing the same space as someone who changes out trash bags.
And so to soothe your pricked conscience you make small talk.
m why not just talk to anyone
there is no difference
Making smalltalk with anyone is fine, regardless of their pay grade
Because its rude to ignore them if they are nice or polite.
Just have fun with both. Be a relatable human.
They are going to think you like them
u I'm not a snob
We'll talk to them then
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