Adhering to the proper etiquette may affect your career, so pay attention to it. Whether you’re an intern, executive, or in upper management, your interactions with your coworkers reflect who you are as a person and as a part of the team; therefore, it’s crucial to practice good office etiquette. In this piece, we’ll discuss proper workplace conduct and provide you with a list of dos and don’ts that will improve your performance at work.
Don’t engage in idle chitchat.
Do you believe that your high school days are behind you? Not all workplaces are like that. Work-related stress is normal, but it’s important to limit how much you talk about it. People who hear you talking poorly about your coworkers may draw negative conclusions about your character. In addition, if your coworkers overhear you talking negatively about one of their own, they may question whether you will treat them the same way.
It’s important to learn the ropes of your workplace.
It’s crucial to watch and comprehend your work environment, so you know what’s proper. If you work for a corporation, you might dress more formally than if a startup employed you. According to Columbia University Center for Career Education, you may access the HR department and in-house training if you work at a larger business. In a smaller business, you may educate yourself via observation and inquiry. The company’s culture and norms are things you’ll learn on the job, but it’s still a good idea to do some homework and pay attention to your surroundings.
Keep it sanitary.
One of the worst things you can be in a job is a slob. If you’re using a shared space and you leave behind trash, such as used coffee cups, scraps of paper, or uneaten food, someone else will have to clean it, which can be annoying and time-consuming for them. You’ll make a good impression on potential employers if you maintain a neat desk or work stations. Regularly checking in on how well you’ve been keeping your office tidy is a smart idea.
Pay attention to the processes of others around you.
Remember that people in an open office may function differently than you do. Some guests might like a loud music volume, while others prefer a quiet atmosphere at their desks. Put on some headphones or locate a quiet corner of your workplace to listen to music or a podcast if you’re allowed to.
Be personable yet professional.
For the most part, you’ll spend your weekdays with your coworkers, so it’s only natural to develop some familiarity with them. You risk coming across as pretentious if you hoard everything for yourself. While personal sharing, like a cheating spouse or your drunken weekend antics, could help people relate to you, it could also detract from your ability to get work done. Respecting the personal space of others is also crucial. Do not coerce workers into disclosing any information; doing so is voluntary.
Display sincere interest.
Everybody has hundreds of thoughts. We stress finishing jobs and picking up the dry cleaning while ticking off to-do lists. We hope clients and colleagues speak fast so we can move on. However, active listening is noticeable. Attend to people, make eye contact, and ask probing inquiries. That shows you’re focused and fun.
Do the introductions.
There are always new individuals to meet in the office, whether you’re brand new or have been there for a while. It’s not enjoyable to be in a room full of people who don’t recognize you, and you don’t recognize them. Make an effort to pair folks up whenever possible. It shows respect and makes the recipient feel important.
Communicate courteously and professionally.
Professionalism is essential while communicating via phone, email, or in person. Remember that there is no context for tone or facial emotions while emailing, so keep messages brief yet courteous. Because emails are permanent, do not send anything you would not say in person.
Keep your feelings at home when you’re at work.
Bringing personal problems to work is disruptive and may not be appreciated by your coworkers. Take some time off work if you need to deal with a serious issue interfering with your work, or talk to your supervisor or human resources department in private if you need help. Again, it’s best to talk to HR instead of your coworker if you’re feeling emotional about something at work.
Do not eat someone else’s food.
Losing money due to frequent theft of business lunches can be a serious financial setback. However, if the event becomes workplace gossip, it can be even more damaging to the perpetrators of the theft.
The reputation the thief earns for stealing meals might damage their status in the office, even if management doesn’t take any formal disciplinary action. That, in turn, may have far-reaching effects.
