For those just getting started in the workforce.
For those that have been in the workforce a long time.
Work from home or a remote location? Yup, these are for you too!
Are you in an office share situation or work in a room full of cubicles?
You will find that meeting etiquette is also included – because all of these are relevant while in the conference room.
Having been in the workforce for many, many, and for good measure, many years I have gathered some valuable experience that is totally worth sharing and worth your five minutes to read & learn.
My twenty-year-old daughter asked me; “aren’t these just sort of obvious?”
Well – no, not necessarily. Not if someone did not take the time to teach them or understand the value of the advice at the time it was being given. Plus, it is always good to have a reminder of these etiquette rules.
Just one more thing before getting started: Employers, managers, shift leaders, you should take time to absorb some of this information and practice good etiquette because employees model the behaviors of leadership. An organization’s culture (big or small) is built off the behaviors of those who are in management.
Why practice workplace etiquette? It is important because it lays
the foundation for productivity, efficiency, and cohesiveness.
14 Rules for Workplace Etiquette
1. Manners: use them
Knock before entering an office space – even if the door is propped open.
Wait for the “ok” to come in – this gives the person a chance to finalize their immediate thought process and/or conversation so they can redirect their attention to you.
Be nice – do I need to explain this?
THINK before you speak: click here to view THINK Poster
2. Be a good team player.
Give positive affirmations to co-workers. Give credit where credit is due. Be humble and express gratitude.
3. Clean up after yourself.
This includes any common area, lunchroom, bathroom. Better yet, leave it better than you found it.
Lunchroom: Do not bring smelly foods!
If it is not your food – do not eat it!
Maintain a neat workspace. It improves your productivity and leaves a good impression on the boss. Messiness can be distracting to you and your coworkers.
Check out the article: “10 Essential Steps to Increase Productivity”
4. No personal calls.
Unless an emergency.
Yes, I know you might have kids, but making them figure things
out on their own makes them more independent and self-reliant.
Once they figure out how to problem-solve for themselves it boosts their self-esteem.
click here to read “Help, my kids keep calling me at work!”
If you are on your cell phone for work or personal – do not walk around or pace. It is rude and distracting.
Never answer your cell phone while in a meeting. Excuse yourself if you feel it is necessary to take the call.
5. Communicate
Respectfully – that goes for both the boss to its staff and vice versa.
Use your best judgment when it comes to face-to-face vs. email.
It is best to have in-person conversations to avoid miscommunication that can result from email or text.
It is difficult to discern the ‘tone’ in which an email or text is written.
Conversations that need to be in-person:
•when it is personal
•pertains to performance reviews
•schedule change
•pay, etc.
If you are working remotely communication can be more difficult.
• Your schedule at your home will demand time outs for distractions that otherwise would not happen in the office.
Kids, doorbell, internet connection issues, time zone differences.
• Coordinate your schedule of events at work with your family.
You may be sharing your computer with your homeschooler.
If you are all on the computer at the same time you may experience bandwidth issues.
Perhaps you need to arrange extra eyes on the kids while you are on a conference call.
• Make sure your backdrop is appropriate. Do not hide from your family in the bathroom and expect to be on your game. Arrange for some distraction-free space.
• You may have to put some forethought into your calls, emails, and video conference calls/meetings and give your coworkers a realistic schedule that you think you can follow.
• Make sure your interoffice calendar is up to date.
This goes for those who travel (pre/post COVID). You cannot expect that just because you are out of the office an advantageous time for you to talk may not be convenient for the office.
• Mute is a must-have option while remotely working. When you are not talking, mute your machine.
6. Proofread – and then – take a breath before you send that email, proposal, or text.
7. Do not participate in the office rumor mill.
Most likely it is not true, and it is most likely none of your business.
8. Do not comment on what you do not know.
• We don’t know what we don’t know.
• Ask questions.
• Gather your facts.
• Seek the person who has the knowledge you require.
9. Positive thoughts. Positive results.
Do not be negative about your workplace, employer, or job. It is inappropriate and brings morale down. If you have a problem with your work, go to HR, your boss, follow the protocol outlined in your employee handbook.
Employers make sure that staff has a place to air their grievances respectfully without running the risk of negative consequences.
10. Listen to your mother.
Remember when you were a kid, and your mom would say “Use your indoor voice?”
Office etiquette dictates that you use your ‘indoor voice.”
11. Be on time!
∗For your shift.
∗For your meetings.
∗For all occasions when you are representing the organization.
Time management tip: Do not take a call if it is within 10 minutes of your
meeting start time (or time to leave for an appointment).
∗Leave an outgoing voice mail message and an out-of-office auto email response that you are in a meeting and you will return the call upon returning to the office.
12. Return messages.
Especially voice mail.
Email is a preferred form of communication for many so if someone is calling you it is probably important.
13. Dress Code – follow it!
Don’t have one – then set one!
Even the most casual work environments should set parameters.
Torn jeans, too short skirts, inappropriate shirt logos.
Working from home does not excuse this. No pajamas.
Dress for success so the saying goes.
Maybe ease off the perfume & aftershave. Some people are sensitive to smells. Some aromas can cause headaches, nausea, etc.
14. Lastly – Do your job!
Do your part!
Get up, dress up & show up, but not if you are sick! (click here for: Don’t go to work sick!)
Be well-rested, focused, and take pride in your work.