How you present yourself to your colleagues matters. You may argue that you have no relationship with them outside of work. However, you must maintain workplace etiquette so everyone can have a good work experience. Many of these codes of conduct are standard regardless of location, but a few may be peculiar to your organization. Therefore, you should always find out about the specifics of your organization’s workplace etiquette.
Workplace Etiquette
Since the pandemic and the return of many to the office, workplace manners have changed. Perhaps this is because people went without much human interaction for several months. It could also be because many people changed jobs during and after the pandemic. In 2021, the great resignation happened; over 4 million Americans resigned every month. Several of these people went into new industries and fields.
The pandemic also made remote and hybrid work more popular. Consequently, more people are working in unfamiliar territory, whether starting new jobs or returning to their former workplaces. With these changes came the realization that people needed to be trained in workplace etiquette. COVID-19 permanently altered the work landscape, and employees must learn the dos and don’ts of workplace etiquette. Here are some things you should and shouldn’t do as an employee.
Do’s of Workplace Etiquette
Introspect
A good practice for developing the right workplace etiquette is to evaluate yourself. Know your personality, preferences, and habits. Then, compare them with the organization’s values. Ask yourself if your attitude aligns with the company’s best practices and code of conduct for relating to other employees.
Arrive Early
Getting to work early is good workplace etiquette. It would help if you tried to be in the office or at an online meeting about 15 minutes before work starts. Tardiness shows that you have no regard for your co-workers or employers.
Be Attentive
It may be tempting to drift away during a meeting, especially an online meeting. Be courteous enough to stay alert. Pay attention during meetings, and respond when prompted. Be attentive while engaging with co-workers as well. Don’t interrupt or ignore them, and apologize when you do. Finally, be attentive to your tasks.
Be Professional With Your Colleagues
Your colleagues are your workmates, not your buddies, so you must be professional. Workplace etiquette dictates that you speak responsibly and respectfully. Don’t harass them sexually or in another way, and don’t beg them for money. Limit your conversations to work and be professional but personable.
Have a Professional Email Address
You need a professional email address for work. For example, using “daisywhizzyluv” for work shows a lack of knowledge of workplace etiquette. Create an official email address for work correspondence. You can use “firstname.lastname@domainname,” for example. You will need this email to correspond on the weekend or after work hours.
Dress Appropriately
Different organizations have various dress codes. Some industries have more standard dress codes, while others allow for greater creativity. Learn the acceptable dress culture in your organization and adhere to it. This shows respect for your co-workers and organization.
Dont’s of Workplace Etiquette
Don’t Gossip
Gossip shows a blatant disrespect for your co-workers. One standard workplace etiquette is that you should never gossip at work. Don’t gossip about your bosses or co-workers. Don’t encourage it, either. Gossiping shows that you can’t be trusted. It also signifies that there are people who will gossip about you. Gossip hurts, so you must stay away from it.
Don’t Forget To Communicate
Communication is vital to the survival of any organization. If it breaks down, it will affect the organization’s work and progress. Lack of effective communication and transparency also indicates that a workplace is toxic. Thus, workplace etiquette demands that you communicate properly with your co-workers and bosses. Keep them updated on any changes. Carry everyone along as well, whether they are working remotely or on-site.
Don’t Lie About Your Capabilities
It can be tempting to lie on your resume about things you know nothing about. You may also be tempted to exaggerate your capabilities to your co-workers. However, you will only be setting a trap for yourself if you do so. Lying shows that you lack workplace etiquette. Don’t lie about your abilities. Be authentic and let your true self shine.
Don’t Be Partial
You must treat all employees fairly. Don’t mistreat anyone or show them favors above others. Give everyone a fair chance and treat them as you want to be treated. Check-in on everyone’s work and welfare, whether they work remotely, hybrid, or on-site. You should also be inclusive even if you don’t agree with everyone and their beliefs or lifestyle.
Don’t Bring In Emotions to The Workplace
Sometimes, you suffer from burnout or have just had a bad day. Nevertheless, workplace etiquette demands that whatever emotions arise from this situation stay out of work. Don’t transfer aggression to your co-workers, don’t yell at them, and don’t be disrespectful. Always keep your emotions in check at work.
Don’t Be Inflexible
Sometimes, you may need to change your schedule or work late. When this happens, be willing to step up and take the work unless you have an emergency. Refrain from rejecting new projects or opportunities to step out of your field. Flexibility is a good workplace ethic that shows you value the organization. It also makes you a valuable and reliable employee.
Workplace etiquette helps to keep everyone safe in an organization. You should learn the ones applicable to you and adhere to them, whether or not you feel comfortable with them. Respect others, be attentive, smile, and don’t gossip. If you follow these workplace etiquette, you will contribute to making your organization a safe space.
#Clique, what do you think about this article? Do you have any additional workplace etiquette tips to share? Let us know in the comments.
