Work and Office Etiquette
Business etiquette has its own unique set of rules. Work and Business etiquette governs office behavior and interaction between co-workers. How to greet and meet in the business world, how to communicate on the job, cell phone use in the office, work emails, business dining, office party, the do’s and don’ts of business life.
The proper behavior one should have in the workplace. Whether you are the boss or an employee you must practice office etiquette. These rules are meant to impart order and avoid unnecessary stress and conflict in the workplace.
Follow these general business etiquette guidelines:
Always stand when you are introducing or being introduced [image source_type=”attachment_id” source_value=”546″ align=”right” size=”small”]
Always use full name when you introduce yourself or others
Hand shake should be firm and no longer then a few seconds (3-6)
Always be punctual, to work, meetings, appointments
If you cannot attend a meeting call and cancel
Dress appropriately; if the company has a lax atmosphere, business casual can be proper, if the company has a more formal setting wear business formal
Do not wear clothes that are flashy, tight, sexy that will distract and are more appropriate for a party than an office [image source_type=”attachment_id” source_value=”684″ align=”right” size=”small”]
Shoes are as important as clothes; clean, appropriate shoes make a good impact
It is proper to hold the door open for co workers and clients, but no need to pull a chair
Your cell phone should be off or on silent during office hours
You should not talk on your cell phone during working hours unless work related
If you need to use your cell phone use a private area designated for talk or a private corner or empty meeting room or if you have a private office in your office with door closed
Personal calls should be short and only for emergency or really important
Never talk on your cell phone in the bathroom
Do not bring cell phone to a meeting or if you do put your phone on silent
Not acceptable to use a blackberry or iPhone while in a meeting
Arrive on time and prepared
[image source_type=”attachment_id” source_value=”688″ align=”right” size=”small”]When you work in close proximity with others (like office cubicles) keep privacy etiquette
Be considerate do not intrude, do not interrupt in conversations that do not involve you, do not respond if you are not being asked, do not eavesdrop
Do not eat at your desk (especially smelly foods)
Do not talk loud
When an angry client calls, let him finish what he has to say, do not interrupt or raise your voice or answer rudely, once he has told his story, his grievance, try to help, be understanding, talk in a soft voice
Clean hygiene is expected
Do not look sloppy, dirty, un-groomed, it will reflect badly on you and your work
No need to expose tattoos or body piercing
Do not over do it with perfume, it might be unpleasant for colleague
Your office or work space should be clean and uncluttered
It is not acceptable to drink on the job
No swearing or bad words at the job or outside the job
No jokes in bad taste (gender, religion, race, sex)
Answer your work phone in a pleasant tone.
Be nice and courteous to everyone from the boss to the cleaning personnel, no such thing as selectively nice
Knock on doors before entering
Offer help if you have knowledge or solution to a problem
Always be considerate and helpful
Keep office kitchen clean, pick up after yourself, no unwashed dishes or spills in microwave, do not take someone else’s food
Do not reprimand in public, but in private, always keeping calm and considerate, you can say what you need to say as long as you do it with respect
Do not be condescending, it will not win you a popularity contest or a most liked boss award or best employee award
Do not talk badly about your boss or co workers
No gossip in office or outside
Do not forget to say thank you when you get help or any other assistance, same thing for apologies it is important to take responsibility for our mistakes and apologize, never blame someone else for your mistake
Always treat people with respect, be friendly and kind
Do not make someone look bad, in order for you to look good
Bad behavior will not carry you far
Do not take credit for work that you did not do
Attending an office party is a good opportunity to meet co workers and network, dress for the occasion, behave correctly, no over drinking, do not forget that your boss might be watching and it is a work function
When attending a business dinner follow proper dining etiquette
If you bring a guest make sure they also follow the same rules of office etiquette, if they don’t it will reflect badly on you, the company you keep reflects on you
It is bad business etiquette to start an office romance or have a one night stand with colleagues, it will make a very difficult working environment if it does not work out
Listen when people talk, look them in the eye, put your phone way
Eye contact is important when you talk and when you listen
Always have a friendly body posture, back straight, hands to your side, no crossing your hands