A Course in Elevator Psychology 101

The mindset behind door diving, phone failing, and crazy calling

When you stop and think about it, it’s an elevator’s job to drive you up the wall (or down, as the case may be). This is fine when the cab does it, but not quite so satisfying if your fellow passengers are doing the same.

While we’re thinking, we could look at the elevator as a microcosm of society itself. We’re all in it together for a short time trying to get where we’re going, so everyone should cooperate. If that’s too philosophical, there’s no arguing that elevator travel has its psychological aspects.

You just have to be aware of the unspoken politics. From shoulder shuffling to all-out germ warfare, here’s our light-hearted look at the psychology of using an elevator, and how to leave any bad habits in the lobby.

The shoulder shuffle

Our first psychological success tip is probably the most difficult. It requires everyone in the elevator to think the same way, and move like the well-oiled machine they’re standing in. It’s the art of the shoulder shuffle. It involves positioning yourself perfectly upon entrance to prepare for your exit.

Already sounding complicated? Picture the typical elevator scenario. It arrives, you get in and you wait. If it’s not too crowded (elevators typically carry around 5 people a trip), great. If it’s crowded, new entrants positioning themselves at the front only makes it harder for those already in to get out.

In an ideal world, every passenger will announce where they’re going and move to the front, middle or back depending on how soon their floor will arrive. Most people don’t and so passengers have to shuffle, shove and reorganize themselves as people push their way out.

Maybe you’re only going a couple of floors up or down, in which case cramming yourself into an elevator isn’t the most comfortable option. Take the stairs (if health and other factors allow); you’ll sidestep the need to shoulder shuffle entirely.

You should also avoid Toe Trampling: the bad habit of not minding your step on the way in and out.

Crazy calling and shut spamming

For some reason, many elevator passengers think that hitting buttons multiple times (and in rapid succession) is going to make something happen faster. When you hit that call button for the elevator, it’s going to get there in its own time. Likewise, when you’re inside, hitting the Close Doors button over and over isn’t going to make them shut any faster.

Not only is this impatience a stress on your nerves, it also stresses the mechanisms of the elevator itself. The cab is a sturdy piece of machinery yet also one with many delicate parts. When we think that elevators in America make an estimated 18 billion trips per year, that’s a lot of pressure those little buttons are under.

Don’t crazy call your elevator. Gently push the call button once, maybe twice for peace of mind. When you’re aboard, do the same while closing the doors.

…and watch out for door divers.

Door diving

What is it about a set of closing elevator doors that makes people leap for them? Modern life has us all in such a hurry that door diving has become a reflex. It results in last-minute forced entries into elevators; adding those extra, aggravating seconds to the journey for other passengers (who are also in a hurry).

Door diving can be limited if everyone remembers etiquette again. Holding a door open isn’t just polite. Previous studies highlight it as a means of showing social cooperation and respect for a group. Of course, there’s the chance you may be too polite.

This is when someone is holding the elevator door open, delaying everyone’s journey as another refuses to get on. Both parties may mean well, but neither are going to be popular with the rest of the group.

Phone failing

We acknowledged earlier how important manners are in making society work. The sheer number of cell phones in existence these days (an estimated 4. 93 billion) means most of us have one. In the confines of an elevator, phone etiquette takes on an extra dimension of importance.

A totally silent elevator can feel a little awkward. Someone having a loud conversation on any topic is just as bad and equals phone fail. It’s a sure-fire way to make other passengers uncomfortable, and yourself immediately unpopular.

Letting a call drop (or replying by text) increases the chances of better teamwork when it’s time for the shoulder shuffle to the exit.

Everybody likes their personal space, and we all like our travel to be stress-free and pleasant. A quick trip in an elevator may not seem like much, but being aware of psychology and etiquette involved can make a big difference. You can contribute to a pleasant journey for others, and to the better operation of the elevator’s mechanisms.

From corporate to condos, Connections Elevator specializes in forward-thinking solutions. For first-class maintenance, modernization, repairs, and contract management, you can reach us at (954) 792-1234, email at info@connectionselevator.com, or via our contact form.