Office etiquette is something that helps in daily interpersonal relationships within the office. Getting along with someone you would probably never invite for dinner is essential to having good working relationships and a happy coexistence, and it's the office etiquette that makes them possible even if there is a common dislike or a disinterest. Plus, office etiquette will ensure that you avoid becoming enemy number one in the office because you got someone watered due to some unpleasant comment or habit. Not that you're aiming to be a problem, but sometimes we can do something unintentionally that might make others uncomfortable.
In addition, office etiquette is a key element in understanding how your colleagues will respond to your actions and if they will come to your rescue in times of need. The way you behave in the workplace between people who will effectively become your "second family" will determine how you are viewed and how you are treated by others.
Steps
Method 1 of 1: Practice the Office Etiquette
Step 1. Understand why office etiquette exists
While the term "office etiquette" might bring to mind images of rigidity and formality, it is actually something very simple. Office etiquette consists of observing some basic laws to get along with others in an organizational context. Just as living in a society requires us to follow a series of customs (unwritten but very clear expectations) and rules, having appropriate social conduct in the office guarantees friendliness, respect and a pleasant daily work experience.
Although much of the label remains unwritten, the fact that it is not written in black on white and affixed to a slate does not excuse the non-observance. There will always be an overwhelming majority in any social group, expecting the unwritten customs of etiquette to be regularly respected, with little expectation, and no matter how particular, rebellious or authentic you feel, there will always be limits of respect. for others that you will need to stick to, as will be further clarified by the rest of this article
Step 2. Be on time
Being on time is very important, especially if you have an appointment. Show that you respect your colleagues' time and will consequently encourage them to have respect for your time. A famous saying that seems appropriate for this situation is 'Time is money'. Set a good example and everything else will fall into place.
Avoid arriving later than your boss if you have been working for a short time. At the beginning of a business relationship, it is vital to show that you are already working and that you are enthusiastic
Step 3. Dress appropriately
Many offices have predefined dress rules that must be followed to the letter. But if you're lucky enough to work in a place where there are no dress rules, then it's up to you to dress appropriately. Remember that the office is not a place for the plague and that you must arrive dressed in a way that arouses respect from both colleagues and customers. Dress rules have a strong influence on establishing the confidence customers will have in your abilities to give them what they are paying for. Dress professionally, or the way you expect at your workplace. Don't dress very casually, provocatively or in an evening dress.
Of course there are exceptions, such as offices where there are less strict rules or days where you can dress more casually to raise funds to donate to charity, etc. However, even for those who work in more relaxed offices, a business suit or suit should be worn when interacting with customers, when trying to close an important deal and other professional situations
Step 4. Stay away from gossip
Office gossip won't make much of a difference in your career, but it can cause a lot of stress, which should be avoided instead. Just as you don't want someone to chat about you, the same goes for others. In some cases, if it turns out that you are the source of the gossip, you could risk losing your job. Only make positive comments about colleagues; Anything negative you say could give a bad impression of you, and make you look like an office gossip.
You might overhear a conversation. Be good and forget whatever you have heard and "give a damn". Don't report what you've heard and definitely don't give your opinion
Step 5. Ask before taking anything
If you are in close contact with your coworkers, it may seem harmless to grab a stapler or marker from their desk without asking. Well, that's actually not the case. It is important to always ask before taking anything. By doing this you will ensure that others will treat your things with the same respect and you will not end up with something missing when you return to your seat from a meeting.
If there are any items you need all the time, establish a common area for these items so they don't disturb each time you need to use one. For example, it might be a good idea to have a station for stapling, gluing and enveloping, where no one owns any of these objects and they are always within everyone's reach
Step 6. Ask politely and always give thanks
A few kind words can keep a positive mood in the office, or at the very least avoid a bad mood. When you meet coworkers who aren't particularly nice to you in the hallway, smile or nod. Be friendly. You don't have to run to them and hug them, but just say hello. Think about what kind of message you would convey by looking the other way or purposely avoiding eye contact.
- Say hello to those around you when you arrive in the morning. It's a bad, unhealthy habit to just sink into your chair without saying a word. He is clean-shaven and will not earn you points with others. Even if they don't seem interested, set a good example by showing not only that it is okay to say hello, but that it is expected.
- Watch your language. When talking to others in the office, remember that profanity could offend someone. Also avoid insinuations and jokes at the expense of others.
Step 7. Don't interrupt constantly
Doing so will show that your time or opinion is more important than that of others. If a colleague is on the phone and you need to ask him something, don't hold back. Tap him on the shoulder and whisper that you need him for a minute (or leave a note in front of him) and ask him to call or find you when he's done. If a colleague is in the middle of a business conversation, don't interrupt - wait for them to finish or ask them to find you when they're done.
Step 8. Avoid making too much noise
For those who do not have their own office, the most frequent complaint is the noise created by others in the same workplace. Keeping your voice low should be a priority in all business relationships:
- Whether you are on the phone or talking to a colleague, avoid raising your voice.
- Use the handset or headphones - not the speakerphone - to make phone calls, unless you are behind a closed door.
- If you've received a phone call on your cell phone, it's a good idea to go to the hallway or find a room with a door that you can close to continue the conversation without disturbing others. It is not particularly suitable if it is a personal phone call or a conversation that could take a long time.
- Avoid yelling or speaking aggressively. Speaking too loudly or aggressively may annoy others, and even those who aren't the target of your aggression will be left with a sense of discomfort.
- Turn off your personal mobile phone during working hours; leave it on vibration if you need to leave it on. Avoid making personal phone calls from your desk; your co-workers don't need to know that your spouse has to stop by and buy ham.
- If you listen to the radio or music, keep the volume down or wear headphones.
- Be especially quiet in places where coworkers are on the phone or conversing with other coworkers. Don't start long conversations in common spaces; if a topic requires more than a few minutes of discussion, find a meeting room to avoid distracting your colleagues.
- Be respectful around meeting rooms, even if you're not sure if a meeting is in progress - always assume there is one to be quiet.
Step 9. Respect others' need for privacy
Don't read someone else's faxes, emails, correspondence or your pc screen. Share only those personal things at work that you wouldn't mind being read in the newspaper. And remember when sending emails, never write anything that could cause problems if forwarded; remember that anyone "can" forward an email.
- If you need to discuss something private or sensitive with a colleague, find a room where you can close the door without anyone hearing you. Personal problems and job performance reviews should not be heard by anyone other than the person concerned.
- Use the speakerphone only in an office with closed doors. When working outdoors, use the handset or headphones for any phone calls.
Step 10. Avoid being the source of odors
Eating at your desk, taking off your shoes, or spraying some perfume or air freshener may annoy those who are sensitive to odors. Nobody wants to get a whiff of smelly feet, regardless of whether you think they don't smell bad, and the smell of food is a very personal thing, don't believe it might look delicious to someone else's nose as well. Also, why do you eat at your desk? Get out there and get some fresh air!
- If you are unsure whether what you are doing, wearing or eating might have a strong smell, assume it does. Our olfactory system can play tricks on us with smells we are familiar with, making us seem like they are not that strong, while for others they may be sickening. This is not the time to assert your "rights"; you might just create inconvenience to others.
- If someone else in the office is guilty of the above, read about dealing with a colleague who has smelly lunches.
Step 11. Keep your desk clean
Try not to be messy. A messy desk shows how confused and careless you can be, and that you are not clear about yourself. Plus, it can reflect your personality or personal life at work. Do not make it appear that you are a messy person. Keep your desk clean and decorated (only with relevant material, such as graphics or articles, etc.).
- If you like to add a personal touch, such as photos or knick-knacks, just pick a few that are decent. Don't completely cover your desk like it's a bazaar. Not only can having too many personal belongings make you appear extremely territorial and sentimental, but it can make it difficult for others to take you seriously in a business setting. Plus, if you switch desks often, it's just more stuff you have to lug around every time.
- If you have a communal kitchen it is extremely important to keep it clean. If you drop anything, clean up immediately. Your mom is not there to clean what you dirty. Don't expect your colleagues to do that either.
Advice
- Treat your colleagues with the same respect and courtesy you have for your boss.
- If you share a coffee area, always make sure there is coffee available for those arriving after you.
- If you have to pick your nose, cut your nails or fix your underwear, do it in the bathroom!
- Practice the six-point rule by keeping all four legs of your chair on the floor, plus your two feet. It is horrifying to see your feet on chairs with your chin on your knees, legs dangling or bent under your body. Only in your home can you sit as you like.
- Don't get involved in sexual relations - especially with someone who is already married!
- By calling your colleagues with names like “honey, sweetheart, sugary or dear” and not being overbearing. This is sexual harassment, and it is illegal!
