Business people

Etiquette in the workplace has to do with common courtesy and making the workplace a comfortable environment that is aimed at productivity and success.

Follow these guidelines to make the best of your everyday work conditions.

1. DON’T INTERRUPT YOUR COLLEAGUES

When you interrupt your colleague while they are in a conversation with someone else or pre-occupied with a task on their computer, wait until they acknowledge you before your speak to them. This will show that you respect their time, and they will be willing to give their attention to you.

2. KEEP SOCIALIZING DURING OFFICE HOURS TO A MINIMUM

There is nothing wrong with building social relationships with your colleagues. As a matter of fact it is very important to build strong working relationships; however, you have to keep non-work related conversations for tea and lunch times. Continues conversation in the workplace can have many disruptive effects and also slow down productivity.

3. INSIDE VOICES

Have you ever heard someone in the office saying: “Inside Voices Everyone”? What they mean is to keep your volume control in check, keep your colleagues in consideration, as you are not the only person trying to have a conversation with a client or concentrate on a task at hand.

4. NO SMELLY FOODS

There is nothing worse than a bad smelling office environment. Some people have more sensitive noses than others, and therefore there are selected items that you should never eat in the office. Here is just to name a few; popcorn, broccoli, hard-boiled eggs and any fish related products.

5. DRESS CODE

In most cases, when appointed, you will be informed on the dress code of your specific position. Should you still have doubts on what to wear, have a look around in the office or ask a co-worker for advice? Always be well groomed and neat.

6. ARRIVE EARLY

Don’t be that one person that is known for not being on time. Be sure to leave 15 minutes early to any appointments as to make provision for any unforeseen circumstance. Arriving early will give you that extra time to settle in and focus on the meeting ahead.

7. ORGINIZE YOUR WORKPLACE

“A tidy desk is a tidy mind”. When your desk is neat and you know where all documents and items are, it will save valuable time. The same rule goes for your computer desktop, always keep documents under clearly named folders and rename documents according to its content.

Office etiquette is extremely important to keep a positive office atmosphere. If you neglect it, it will damage the image of the company as well as the morale of the staff. Stick to the rules and it can improve your reputation and lead to bigger things (success) in the company.