The workplace has evolved, and we in turn must adapt to keep up. It’s always vital to strive for good office etiquette, to be more considerate of others, and to make others feel comfortable in your presence. This is true regardless of whether you operate in an office building, a warehouse, or from your home office.
Etiquette provide a foundation for communication that reduces misunderstandings and sets clear expectations for what will occur. Good office etiquette simply means learning how to act in a way that does not annoy those around you. The importance of office etiquette and professionalism is critical because it establishes the framework for productivity, efficiency, and teamwork.
To achieve a better work flow this new week, below are a few office etiquettes you should follow:
BE PUNCTUAL
Punctuality, they say, is the soul of business. The importance of punctuality in the workplace cannot be overemphasized. Arrive on time for meetings, complete tasks before deadlines, and arrive at work a few minutes early to show you appreciate and value others’ time and priorities. When scheduling meetings, attempt to provide a built-in stretch of time at the end to allow attendees to travel to their next engagement on time.
OFFER POLITE GREETING
When you see other employees or clients, ensure you say “hi,” “good morning,” or “good afternoon,” smile, and make eye contact. When you meet someone new, extend a handshake and introduce yourself. Greet familiar employees by their first names to provide a personal touch. Greeting others at work might help you project a warm tone that makes colleagues and customers feel more at ease in your presence.
DRESS APPROPRIATELY
At work, modest clothing is usually the best option. Even in a laid-back setting, it’s best to dress simply and comfortably. Jingling jewelry or a powerful scent can cause employees to become distracted from their tasks. If you’re confused about what is appropriate attire, see your employee handbook or contact a human resources person for further information.
If you’re meeting with a customer, strive to look professional by dressing in business casual or business attire. You may also choose to dress in accordance with their company’s requirements. If your customer works for a financial firm, for example, you should most likely dress professionally.
KEEP YOUR WORK AREA CLEAN
The work area is a communal space that should be kept tidy. When you finish using a common tool or item, make sure to return it to its proper location so that others may find it. To keep a clean, orderly work area, wipe down any unclean surface areas, such as tables and counters. A tidy work environment can boost team motivation and productivity.
COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY
The importance of communication in the workplace cannot be overstated. It’s not always what you say that matters, but how you say it, so pay attention to how you communicate with your coworkers in meetings and one-on-one conversations. When it comes to email, make sure all of your correspondence, both inside and outside of your company, is written correctly and without spelling mistakes. Remember that email is a permanent record of any interaction, so don’t write anything you wouldn’t say to someone face to face.
ENSURE YOU KEEP YOUR PHONE ON SILENT
Keep your phone on mute at all times and avoid taking personal calls at your desk unless they are brief and quiet. No one wants to hear your private discussions, and they may be rather annoying. Go outside or into an unused meeting room.
AVOID GOSSIP AND SIDE TALKS
The way you treat others reveals a lot about you. Even if you’re dissatisfied with a scenario, don’t make value judgments about people’s importance in the job or speak poorly about your coworkers. Consider how you engage with your boss(es), peers, and subordinates.
