Office etiquette is a set of rules employees are expected to follow at the workplace. Extensively accepted as appropriate behaviour, office etiquette is more about how you present yourself in the business world. Bad conduct at work can negatively impact employee morale and productivity, and in order to ensure a productive work environment it is essential for each employee in the organisation to act as a role model by demonstrating good manners and professional behaviour.
Here are seven basic office etiquettes that will take you a long way:
Dress appropriately
While some organisations insist on business formals, others are more relaxed with the rules and encourage employees to wear business casuals. Whatever be the dress code, it is important to dress neatly and smartly. Keep faded and torn clothes at bay because the way you dress is the impression you are giving people about yourself.
Be punctual
Being punctual for work and meetings not only makes a positive impact but also speaks volumes about your personal values. Ensure you reach meetings at least five minutes early and respect other people’s time. Reaching late is sure to give out an ‘I- don’t-care’ message.
Follow email etiquette
Make sure your emails are grammatically correct and do not use slangs. Ensure the subject line clearly communicates what your email is about. And as a rule of the thumb, refrain from saying anything on an email that you wouldn't say to someone's face because emails can be kept on a company's record for years.
Share credit / give appreciation for a job well done
Giving fellow colleagues and team members due credit for a job done well is another critical aspect of office etiquette. Remember that part of office etiquette is working in harmony with others. Recognising and appreciating team members will demonstrate that you are a team player.
Choose your words wisely
Using the right words and tone is crucial to your success at the workplace. You will have to deal with varying personalities at work and you may not necessarily get along with everyone. This is exactly why you must get adept at communicating clearly and effectively. Take time to listen to other people and be respectful of their opinions. You may not always agree, but you will certainly learn something new by being open to other people’s perspectives. Also, use common courtesies such as “please” and “thank you” as this will demonstrate your respect for others around you.
Be responsive
It is important to acknowledge emails and return calls that you missed. Replying to people gives closure to a correspondence and builds strong work relationships.
Attend all company celebrations and functions
Make sure you are present for important office celebrations – be it an office birthday party or felicitation of a fellow colleague. No matter how busy you are, ensure you attend all major office events. Not doing so is sure to create an image that you are too busy for people and don’t care about the happenings around you in a professional setting.
The way you conduct yourself at work greatly demonstrates the company’s culture. Poor workplace manners will not only mar the organisation’s image but it will also hamper your own growth in the organisation.
Maintaining appropriate workplace etiquette is one of the foremost steps towards building a good career.