Office Etiquettes

If you try to look up the meaning of the word ‘Etiquette’ in the dictionary, it will be defined as an aspect of decorum which is a code that governs the various expectations of social behavior as per the conventional norm, within a society, a social class or a group. Etiquettes are usually unwritten and generally tend reflect the formulas of conduct in the society.

Following etiquettes at a workplace is very important. It generally is the key deciding factor in how your colleagues will respond to you and come to your rescue when you require help. Further, the way one conducts themselves in the office with people who eventually become a part of a second family speaks a lot about the kind of person that one is.

Office Etiquettes

Here are some office etiquettes that one can follow. Although this list is not comprehensive, I promise you that following this will go a long way in ensuring that you earn the respect of your colleagues.

Punctuality
Being punctual is very important especially if you have an appointment. It shows that you respect the time of your colleagues and in turn it will compel them to respect your time too. The popular saying that would fit in this situation is that ‘Time and tide wait for no one’. Lead by an example and everything else will fall into place.

Stay Away from Gossip
I would not go to the extend of saying that office gossip can make or break someone’s career. But, it can cause a lot of unnecessary stress which should be avoided at all costs. You would not someone to gossip about you and neither will the next person. In some cases, if the source of some malicious gossip can be traced back to you, then your job can be in jeopardy.

Refrain from Being Loud
You must not be loud in the professional work environment, be it while you are on the phone or while talking to a colleague. If you have received a call on your mobile phone then it will be a good idea to walk down to the corridor to take the call. This is especially recommended if it is a personal call. Taking care of this will prove that you respect the work that your colleagues are doing by not disturbing them with your loudness.

Avoid Strong Smells
This may sound strange but a lot of people who work in very small office spaces will be able to appreciate this piece of advice. Avoid using strong perfumes. You can end up suffocating the entire place with your perfume which is closed and the air conditioners usually do not work efficiently. Secondly, some people would also advice you to avoid bring strong smelling lunch like fish to office especially if you are planning to have it at your desk.

Dress Appropriately
Most offices have a predefined dress code that has to be followed very strictly. However, if you do have the privilege of working at a place which does not define a dress code, then it is up to you to dress appropriately. Remember that office is not a party place and you will have to dress in a way that commands respect both from your colleagues and clients. The dress code has a strong influence in establishing the trust that your client places in your abilities in giving them their money’s worth.

Ask Before Borrowing
If you are at good terms with your colleague then it may appear alright if you borrowed a stapler or a marker from their desk without asking. Well, the fact of the matter is that it is not alright. It is imperative that you ask and then borrow. This attitude of yours will ensure that people also treat your things with the same respect and your things are not missing (read borrowed) when you get back to your seat after a meeting.

These are just some basic etiquette that you can follow in a professional work environment. However, it is more important to ensure that to behave decently and courteously. I truly believe that if you treat people in the way that you would like them to treat you, then it is more than half the battle won and people usually end up respecting to equally.