Conducting yourself with dignity at the office is one of the most important things that you should learn how to do, especially when considering the simple fact that you spend the better time of your life at your workplace. Following proper office etiquette is the key to creating productive office environment and making sure that you get along with your colleagues/employees.
So, here are several basic points from which to start in order to make sure that you are doing everything right.
So, here are several basic points from which to start in order to make sure that you are doing everything right.
- No matter whether you are the boss or an employee at the company in question, you should know that you are the ambassador of the business before clients – current and potential ones alike. Never fail to make good impression to clients.
- Honesty and dignity are the two things that make you a decent human being, and as such, you should follow their codes at the work place too.
- Chewing gum might not be the perfect thing to do in front of co-workers, but it is definitely a taboo in front of clients.
- Follow the dress code at your place of work at all times. It does not matter that you are going to the beach for two weeks as of tomorrow – flip flops have no place at the office.
- It all depends on the atmosphere at your workplace as well as the type of business that you are conducting, but generally the office etiquette dictates that you should not expose any body tattoos or piercing while you are at the office.
- Never go to work sick. If you start feeling ill while on your desk, or you absolutely have to go to the office on such an occasion, make sure 1) not to cough or sneeze in front of co-workers; 2) always use a tissue and say “excuse me”; 3) to do whatever is necessary to go home as soon as possible. Being sick will make you unproductive, but most importantly you will be putting your colleagues’ health at risk too.
- Being polite is an absolute must. And you should be polite to everyone, no matter what their position in the company is. Extend a friendly and polite greeting to both your boss and the boy that works in the mailroom. This will present you as a good person and everyone is going to respect you back too.
- Make sure that you do not interrupt anyone while they are working, discussing something or just need their concentration to be kept at a maximum level. If you absolutely have to intrude, apologize first, because that is what decent people do.
- Always knock on the door before entering.
- Show courtesy to everyone
- Always thank for a courtesy extended.
- If you are the boss and you know that there is an office removal or an office clearance on the books, make sure that you inform your employees in advance so that they can adequately prepare. Furthermore, find a good reliable contractor to conduct the matter, so that it goes as smoothly as possible. This would be good for the people working for you, your clients and the business as a whole.
- Stay up to date with the latest technological advances and make sure to brush up your computer skills every once in a while. Thus you will be prepared for both unexpected emergencies in the course of your own work, and you will be able to help a colleague in need.
- Never (and we say never) touch food in your office’s fridge that has been specifically labeled as a property to someone else. On the same note, it would be impolite to help yourself with a little snack from a box that you know does not belong to you, even if the owner’s name is not specifically written on it.
- While still on the matter of office kitchen etiquette, make sure to always clean up after you. Leaving a mess in the kitchen will be highly displeasing to the next person willing to use it, especially if they have to wash dishes before they can take them fifteen minute coffee and lunch break instead of enjoying a bit of solitude.
- Loud people are among the most intolerable at the work place. You can easily express yourself without shouting and high-pitched noises. If you are loud by nature, it would be hard for you to train yourself, but it is not impossible – and it is totally worth it. You will soon notice the changing attitudes towards you.
- It is highly erroneous to blame someone else for a mistake you explicitly know was made by you. It is against any form of etiquette, not only at the office.
- Sexist comments have no place on your vocabulary whatsoever. Even if they are tolerated among your friends, they would not be appreciated at the work place.
- An apology can get you a long way. Apologize when you are wrong, and even if you are not a hundred percent certain a problem is your fault, pay attention and explore it. Even if your apology was in vain, it would not be a big deal – and certainly it is going to be better than having a quarrel with your co-worker.
- If you have new colleagues at the office, it would be of everyone’s benefit to make them feel welcome. No one likes a wise-ass or a busy-body, and it is rather unproductive acting as one in front of people who have just come to the company. Building a hostile environment is never helpful
- While in a staff meeting, never interrupt a person who is speaking, even if you do not agree with what they are saying.
- Being narrow-minded is the last thing you want to be, and the last thing your co-workers want you to be. So, just don’t.
- While at work, mute your cell phone. No one wants to be interrupted by your new fancy ringtone.