As you start your career or switch to a new role, it’s important to understand the unspoken ground rules of your place of work. After all, you want to make it worth your while if it pays the bills but most especially if it’s your dream job.
Now you might be thinking just how important these may be in the times we live in today. Moreover, how can we observe these workplace etiquettes without losing our sense of self?
Workplace Etiquette in the 2020s
By now we can probably all agree that the 2020 pandemic forever changed the way we work. From the hybrid work models to mainstream AI (Artificial Intelligence), many of us have inevitably adapted and adjusted our professional roles.
When back in the day, visible tattoos, eccentric hair color, and casual attire are frowned upon by our bosses or HR, now we can get away with these small details since fewer professionals work the traditional 9-5 reporting to the same workplace five days a week.
This is why it’s no surprise that more workers are left wondering, what’s considered workplace etiquette these days.
In this blog, we’ll offer some do’s and don’ts for modern workplace etiquette that highlights the following: peer-to-peer interaction, personal conduct, and virtual office etiquette.
Workplace Etiquette: Peer-to-Peer Interaction
One of the most important aspects of workplace etiquette is how you interact with your colleagues. It’s essential to treat everyone with respect and professionalism, regardless of their position in the company. Here are some tips for peer-to-peer interaction:
• Be polite and courteous.
Always greet your colleagues with a smile and a friendly “Hello” or “Good Morning”. Not only is it the polite thing to do, but it sets the tone for potential collaborations you’re likely to have with them throughout the day.
That said, always use “please” and “thank you” when asking for help or making requests. Don’t ever think you’re too good to say your Ps and Qs just because you have a longer tenure or you have a higher position.
• Listen actively.
When someone is speaking to you, give them your full attention. Don’t interrupt or talk over them. Show that you’re engaged in the conversation by nodding, making eye contact, and asking questions.
However if you must interrupt when someone is speaking, say phrases like “Excuse me” or “I’m sorry to interrupt, but…” and phrases like “Sorry, could you explain that a little more?” or “Could you clarify that last point before we move on?” when you need to ask for some clarification.
• Be mindful of your tone.
Your tone of voice can convey a lot of information, so be careful not to sound rude or dismissive.
While office banter is part of the workplace dynamics, it is best to avoid using sarcasm or making jokes at someone else’s expense. In fact, many countries have laws that protect employees from discrimination and harassment especially when linked to characteristics such as sex, race, religion, or sexual orientation.
RELATED: Body Language Tips to Look Your Best During Business Meetings
• Apologize sincerely.
Say, I’m sorry if you hurt someone, intentionally or unintentionally. Sure, it can be intimidating to do the latter because sometimes our egos can get the better of us, so it’s important to have a discussion before deciding where you stand on the apology after doing so.
A sincere apology goes a long way in building trust as it reduces our and our peers’ emotional pain and stress.
• Avoid gossip.
Gossiping about colleagues or bosses can create a toxic work environment. It can damage the reputation not only of the ‘victim’ of gossip but also the reputation of the person who instigates and spreads rumors.
If you have an issue with a co-worker or the workplace’s system, address it directly with the concerned individual to settle the issue amicably.
Workplace Etiquette: Personal Conduct
Another critical aspect of workplace etiquette is how you conduct yourself professionally while staying true to your authentic self. It plays such an important at work because it sets the tone for how others perceive and interact with you, and it can have a significant impact on your career success. Here are some tips:
• Dress appropriately.
Dressing professionally shows that you take your job seriously and respect the workplace.
Find out if the company you work for leans towards a strict dress code or is more accepting of the non-traditional dress code. When in doubt, you can always show up in a more refined and elevated version of your personal style, which means avoiding revealing outfits, stained and wrinkly clothes, and gym/clubbing wear.
RELATED: 8 Mistakes Professionals Make with Their Business Attire
• Be punctual.
Goes without saying, you need to come earlier before your work, meetings, and appointments start. 9 AM means starting your work at 9:00 AM, and not 9:00 AM arriving to make a cup of coffee, have breakfast, do your makeup, and chat with your colleagues. If you’re running late, let someone know as soon as possible and catch up as soon as you arrive.
• Learn how to think on your feet.
Successful businesses need people who are able to make good decisions and achieve things quickly.
Nowadays managers give more freedom to individuals and teams to execute tasks the way they see fit, which means in their mind if something goes wrong, it’s also part of the employee’s professional growth to learn how to fix it.
Therefore, make it a habit when faced with a work problem to approach your superiors about the issue with at least two possible solutions, instead of merely ranting or complaining.
• Take responsibility.
When it comes down to it, work means you always have tasks you need to accomplish.
While things may not always go your way, it’s important to develop an attitude of owning up to your mistakes and working to correct them.
When you take responsibility for your action instead of blaming others, you demonstrate that you are accountable and reliable to those around you.
• Maintain a positive attitude
Critical thinking is vital at work, but it’s a positive attitude that can go a long way, especially in challenging situations. Staying optimistic and enthusiastic allows you to focus on solutions instead of problems, and help build the team’s morale and inspire others.
READ: Soft Skills: Why Your Success Depends On It
Workplace Etiquette: Virtual Office
With virtual offices becoming a mainstay across the globe, it’s important to understand how to handle yourself best and make a good impression with your remote co-workers. Here are some tips for virtual etiquette:
• Be responsive.
When working remotely, it’s important to be responsive to emails, calls and messages. Not answering right away can make other people think you’re AFK (away from the keyboard) doing non-work related activities.
Therefore, always respond promptly and let people know if you’re going to be unavailable.
• Wear appropriate attire.
Despite not wearing a formal office attire, you still need to make sure you’re wearing clothes that are work-friendly. Sure, wearing sweats and pajamas is popular in the virtual world but mindlessly wandering in them especially once the camera is on can put you and/or your company in an embarrassing situation.
READ: Women’s Guide to Dressing Smart for WFH Meetings
• Be mindful of your background.
When on a video call, make sure your background is appropriate for the workplace. Avoid anything too distracting or unprofessional such as loud background music, kids screaming or pet sounds.
• Avoid multitasking
When on a video call or conference, avoid multitasking.
Give your full attention to the conversation and avoid checking emails or working on other tasks. You may not realize it but your lack of attention during the meeting can be felt by your co-workers which can cause a nuisance especially if it will cause them to repeat themselves plenty of times.
Be present even if not physically as it shows your professionalism while working remotely.
Remember, Manners Matter
Workplace etiquette is essential for creating a modern work environment and building strong relationships with your coworkers. By understanding that courtesy and good manners are important to the workplace, you can succeed in any work environment, physically and virtually.
Remember to conduct yourself in an authentic yet professional manner and be mindful of how you behave around others. Small actions can have a big impact on our professional relationships and by refining your ways, you’re setting yourself up for career success in no time!
@finessetosuccess What unspoken ground rules do you think should be practiced more often? 👀 #finessetosuccess #officeetiquette #selfimprovement #selfimprovementdaily #careeradvice #professionaldevelopment #personaldevelopment #presence #careerblog #firstimpressions #foryoup #workplaceetiquette ♬ Babel – Gustavo Bravetti
What are some other workplace etiquette tips that you have found to be effective in your professional experience? We’d love to hear your thoughts and insights in the comments below. And if you found this article helpful, please share it with your colleagues or team!
