Etiquette; this world alone can dredge up your childhood memories of the reprimands you got to hear on the dinner table. Excuse yourself before leaving the table, keep your elbows off, keep your napkin in your lap and so on. Most of us have mastered these table manners and have even learned not to talk with a full mouth, but what about office etiquettes and manners? Studies and research indicate that even the best employees don’t get higher than a B in office etiquettes. The problem is that even in its mildest form, bad etiquettes at the workplace makes it uncomfortable and unproductive. This is something that no one desires.
Good manners and etiquettes, on the other hand, set you apart from the competition. You will become more likeable and promotable if you are mindful of your behavior and of others’ feelings. So, what are the rules of exemplary office etiquette? Read on and find the list:
1. Office attire
It is a sign of a good employee that they are always dressed in properly pressed office uniforms, if there are any, or professional attire. This is the most visible representation of your association with the company and you have to be careful when getting dressed. Never be too casual or informal as this can reflect badly on your organization and will not do you any favors.
2. First impression is indeed the last one
You should behave in a respectful manner, especially when you are a new employee and are being introduced. Don’t assume that you can just joke around with your coworkers or colleagues as you are not acquainted with them yet and you may just end up offending someone. Always introduce yourself properly to whoever you meet, whether they are clients, visitors or your coworkers.
3. Respect others’ privacy
Today’s modern workplaces don’t believe in having separate offices or cubicles for workers. Now, they have an open and friendly environment, but this doesn’t give you the freedom to just barge in on someone. Even if there are no walls literally, you can think of them as metaphorical ones and respect the privacy and workspace of your colleagues and bosses. Ask for permission before you bother them or initiate a conversation. Don’t borrow anything without asking them first, whether it is something small like a stapler or something big like files.
4. Avoid interrupting anyone
In casual conversations or even in business meetings, you should always let others speak before you bring up your opinion. Never interrupt someone when they are talking; it is not just rude, it is downright unprofessional. Wait for them to finish their conversation before you raise your point. Even if the situation is casual, interrupting conversations is considered bad manners because everyone has the right to say what they like without being cut off.
5. Don’t make noise
Save the noise for your home and parties. Bear in mind that the office is a shared space and any noise can distract or disturb others when they are trying to work. Never raise your voice for getting someone’s attention. One of the most annoying characteristics of people in the workplace is being loud and you need to avoid it at all costs. Otherwise, everyone is going to end up secretly hating you.
6. Always be punctual
It is never good office etiquettes to keep others waiting. You should always be punctual and fulfill your responsibilities on time. In fact, it is recommended to keep your watch 5 to 10 minutes ahead to ensure you reach on time and are never late. No one is going to like you if their work gets late before you. Also, when you don’t reach on time, others assume that you don’t take your work seriously. Is that the kind of image you want? Probably not. This world etiquette guide can be helpful in case you are going to be applying for jobs out of country. Employers, particularly in Europe, are pretty strict about punctuality.
7. Gossip on your own time
Avoid becoming the source and participant of gossip in the office, whether it is about your life or that of someone else’s. Gossip doesn’t just distract people in the office, but also creates an unprofessional environment. It can also be a source of discord amongst employees and this hampers productivity. Therefore, it is best to avoid it at all costs.