What Is Proper Office Etiquette


‘Don’t you know the etiquettes’, is what one gets to hear quite often while attending a party or even at the workplace. At work, there are a set of defined rules, written or unwritten to be followed by all. So, what is proper office etiquette? Proper office etiquette is a cluster of various behavioral aspects put together to differentiate one from the rest of them in terms of professionalism in the corporate world. To understand proper office etiquettes, it is first important to understand oneself and the organization one works with. Most of the etiquettes at workplace are followed by one in personal life as well. The most vital 10 official etiquettes which can create a lasting impression are as follows:

 

Attire

The first and most important aspect of office etiquette is the way to dress-up at the workplace. Most of the organizations follow a dress code to be worn during weekdays and it is important that one strictly follows the same. Ironed shirts, pants, formal belts, matching tie, blazer, clean socks and polished shoes will be a perfect attire to be worn to the office. Chances are that a co-worker dressed formally will always get ahead to represent the company than another worker dressed shabbily.

 

Personal Hygiene

One among the first etiquettes taught as children is to maintain personal hygiene. Personal hygiene includes personal grooming, cleanliness followed during various routines of the day and finally how one holds oneself. Irrespective of the saying, ‘Beauty comes from inside and not outside’, the physical appearance still counts first in terms of interacting with a person at work place.

 

Greetings

It is important to wish everyone at work place, use the magical phrases like ‘Thank You’, ‘Sorry’, and ‘Excuse Me’ etc. wherever and whenever required. Eye contact and a perfect handshake will distinguish one from the rest of the crowd and indeed leave a pleasant mark with the person one meets with.

 

Punctuality

Most of the time if a person is new to the workplace, he tries to keep up the time during the first few months and later on slowly starts arriving late to the office. It is essential that one stick to the time at work or even at a business meeting. If one has to travel long distance to his office, then it is important to start early from home. If unexpected events or occurrences are the reason for delay, then it is important to call up to the office and let them know the reason for delay and what time one will arrive. Punctuality is a mark of professionalism to the question, what is proper office etiquette?

 

Avoid Gossiping And Being Loud

Gossips are interesting and it is impossible for one to remain away from it. Gossiping will not be a good way to build camaraderie at workplace. Try not to irritate anyone at the office by being loud. Avoid raising voice to get attention of others or attending personal calls by talking on top of the voice. Being loud is the most annoying thing to do at workplace and in no time, one could be considered as a nuisance to the work environment.

 

Telephone Etiquettes

To the question what is proper office etiquette, another vital answer would be telephone etiquettes to be followed at workplace. With everyone owning a mobile now, it is important to know when and how to use them within an organization. Attending to personal calls only when needed, keeping mobiles in silent mode during meetings,  brief personal talks over phone  are the necessary tips to be followed when one is at his workplace.

 

Work Area Hygiene

Similar to personal hygiene, it is a requisite to keep one’s desk and surroundings clean. One’s desk or cubicle is a reflection of oneself and a cluttered desk will only make it difficult to find things indicating a person’s disorganized way of doing things. By being organized, one can avoid wasting time for searching or digging important paper work whenever needed.

 

Personal Space

It is important not to step into anyone’s personal space in a short span. Respect, courteous, helping, sharing are the secret tips to being popular and nice at the workplace. Treating everyone with equal respect, appreciating for slightest courtesies extended and by being polite, helpful and co-operative will surely make an employee a favorite among all.

 

Avoid Borrowing

It is likely that if one is new to the organization, then owning a work station may take some time. In the mean time, if he is sharing a work space with another co-worker, it is important to take his permission whenever needed and not to fiddle around with his belongings. Return borrowed items fast and in its original condition. Don’t wait to return till asked and don’t forget to express gratitude for the same.

 

Proactive And Positive Thinking

Enthusiasm, good sense of humor and boundless energy will turn workplace into a fun place. Don’t crib about personal problems at the workplace or slouch. Productivity is what counts and it is important to spend more time thinking how to be productive.

 

What is proper office etiquette does not have defined set of answers. The basic office etiquettes are the same but work aesthetics like the terms used to address seniors or juniors, the language used, group dynamics and much more differs from one place to another. The wise choice would be to stick to the same rather than being individualistic.



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One Response to “What Is Proper Office Etiquette”

  1. Diane Craig says:

    Good day,
    This topic of office etiquette is something I speak of quite often to my clients. I have heard so many stories of executives not being able to advance past their current position, and not understanding why. So often it is because their professional image is unimpressive.

    Thank you for this great summary on Executive Presence.

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