It has become increasingly disappointing to see the deterioration of basic etiquette and professionalism in the workplace. Some say it is just “this generation” but I’m not convinced because I see it in all demographics. I believe it is an organizational culture symptom that is modeled from the top down.
Office etiquette and professionalism is important because it lays the foundation for productivity, efficiency and cohesiveness. Following are some basic etiquette behaviors that should be demonstrated in any professional work environment.
Knock First
This may sound elementary but I’m amazed at how some people don’t think twice about walking through a closed door without knocking first.
Be Nice
Believe it or not just being nice to other people can really affect the culture of a work environment. Having said that, lots of people are dealing with life’s challenges and have a difficult time being nice. That is when it is important for someone to be nice to them.
Answer the Phone
Answering the phone on the first or second ring sends a message that the call is important – see customer service standards. No matter who the caller is, a professional responds quickly.
Don’t Answer Your Cell Phone
When in a meeting and your cell phone rings, don’t answer it until the meeting breaks or is over. This can be very disruptive and if several people are stopping to take cell phone calls, it can greatly impact the effectiveness of a meeting.
Don’t Interrupt Meetings
If you approach a group of people who are clearly in a meeting, don’t interrupt until they are finished.
Don’t Interrupt Conversations
If you approach a couple of people engaged in a conversation, don’t interrupt until they are finished.
Use Wisdom in Communications
Sometimes verbal communication is better than electronic but especially sensitive information should be communicated verbally and not given the opportunity of miscommunication via email.
Respect Authority
When someone is in authority, it is important to address and treat them with respect. Let’s face it, we don’t always agree with the decisions of those in authority. But if someone is placed in that position, we are required to submit and respect their direction and instructions. Professionals understand this.
Speak Quietly
When you’re on the phone, conversing in the hallway or visiting a coworker at their cubicle, be sensitive to others working and speak quietly.
Don’t Play Loud Music
If you are going to play music at your computer, use head phones instead of your speakers so you are not a distraction to other workers.
Don’t Pace While Talking on Your Cell Phone
Cell phone conversations should happen in an office. If you sit in a cubicle, you should either excuse yourself to go outside or perhaps a conference room to have a personal conversation. Pacing up and down the hallway while talking on the phone is rude and distracting.
Show Up On Time To Meetings
Being late to meetings is rude and affects the flow and the group dynamics. Be considerate of others and show up on time.
Return Voice Mail Messages
When you get a voice mail message, return it as soon as possible. The person would not have called you if they didn’t need something. Be courteous enough to call them back in a timely manner.
Respond to Emails
Respond to emails in a timely manner. Very often the sender is in a holding pattern until you respond. It is not only courteous to respond but it can affect the productivity and efficiency of an organization.
Be Polite
Being polite goes a long way and should be the standard approach to communicating. Polite means saying please, thank you and having good manners.
Be Friendly
Face it, we spend a lot of time with our coworkers so make the most of it and enjoy each others’ company. Be friendly and you’ll have lots of friends!
Offer to Help Others
Sometimes we all need a helping hand to get us over the hump of a project. Watch for these opportunities with coworkers and offer to help them. You’ll be surprised how it benefits you down the road when you’re in a similar situation.
Clean Up After Yourself
If you haven’t been told this yet at your job, let me give you a revelation that “your mamma doesn’t live here” and there is no one assigned to clean up after you. Be considerate and clean up your mess in the kitchen or lunchroom.
Keep a Neat Desk
Having a neat and orderly desk is the first step toward efficient productivity. Take a few minutes at the end of every day to get reorganized and tidy. You’ll be happy you did tomorrow.
Arrive to Work on Time
Being on time for work is critical and sometimes can affect your long term employability. Get in the habit of arriving 15 minutes early and see how impressed your boss will be with you.
Give Others the Benefit of the Doubt
We are all human and unfortunately we all make mistakes. Give others the benefit of the doubt in situations and watch how they give you grace in others.
Leave a Room the Way You Found It
Always leave a room the way you found it. If you have a meeting in a conference room, clean up after the group, straighten the chairs and make sure the room is orderly for the next person using it.
Pick Up Trash
Our work environment it is our home away from home. If you see a piece of trash on the floor, take ownership and pick it up. The custodial people may be hours from seeing it. It’s amazing how contagious an act like that can be. Be the first to start the example in your office.
Don’t Air Dirty Laundry
A work environment is like being in a family. Things happen. But like your family, some things should not be discussed with anyone outside the family or the office. Be sensitive to sharing negative things about your work. It is just inappropriate, unprofessional and not a wise thing to do.
Do you have any office etiquette ideas to share?
