Office Etiquette (Office Manners)

Office Etiquette or Office Manners is about conducting yourself respectfully and courteously in the office or workplace - first impressions are important! You are the ambassador/s of the business

Always act with honesty and dignity. Chewing gum and popping bubble gum in the presence of co-workers is neither cool nor dignified. NEVER do it whilst attending customers

Wear appropriate office attire, for example correct footwear, not thongs (flip flops) - they are strictly casual or beachwear

No exposed midriff to display tattoos and body piercing. Be neat, clean and as conservative as the business requires

We are put off by smelly people. So, be sure to shower regularly and use a suitable deodorant

Do not cough or sneeze in anyone's direction. Use a tissue, if possible, to contain the germs and then say "Excuse me"

The essence of good manners and etiquette is to be respectful and courteous at all times and with everybody

Therefore, treat your co-workers, cleaners, maintenance people and others with respect and courtesy

Good office etiquette is easily achieved by using common courtesy as a matter of course

Keep your interruptions of others to a minimum and always apologise if your intrusion is an interruption of a discussion, someone’s concentration or other activity

Show respect for each others workspace. Knock before entering

Show appreciation for the slightest courtesies extended to you

Be helpful and co-operative with each other

Speak clearly without shouting. Loud people are a vexation

Say, “Please; Thank you; You’re welcome”, as part of your everyday courtesy

Be discreet and compassionate in your criticism of a co-worker

Don’t gossip about any co-worker’s private life

Do not try to sell things to your colleagues

It’s not a good idea to take your iPod to your office. It hinders communication

Avoid sexist comments about a co-worker’s dress or appearance

Surveys show that the office know-it-all proved to be the biggest gripe amongst co-workers. Don't be a know-all

Take responsibility for your mistakes, apologise and go about correcting it

Apologise if you are clearly in the wrong. If in doubt, apologise anyway. It’s no big deal

Never blame someone else if it is your mistake

If your boss criticises your work, enquire about what precisely is wrong with it, consider the comments, discuss them amiably if you disagree with the comments but defer to the bosses opinion if he/she is adamant

The boss always gets the benefit of the doubt. Don’t argue with the boss (however, there are standards of etiquette for employers too. See Employer Etiquette )

Make new employees feel welcome and comfortable around you. Don't be a busy-body

Office etiquette means being thoughtful when interacting with your peers

Keep your work area tidy. Try not to be messy

Show consideration for other people’s feelings

If there is conflict, do not get personal in your remarks

It is extremely rude to arrive late for a meeting. It is ruder still to not attend at all. Having a good excuse does not exonerate you

Do not dominate the meeting. All communication must take place through the chairperson

Do not interrupt another speaker

Pay attention to the proceedings quietly. Don’t shuffle your papers

Do not leave the meeting until it is closed by the chairperson

Never be petty or small minded in your behaviour

Always be particularly respectful to those older than yourself even if they are junior to you in position. They are generally more mature in judgement and life’s experiences and this deserves your respect even in the workplace

Practice good manners and office etiquette at every opportunity; even in the toilet

‘Mute’ your cell phone in the office. No fancy ring tones

Practice cell phone etiquette

Practice telephone etiquette

Practice e-mail etiquette

You may also be interested in

Business Etiquette

Employee Etiquette

Employer Etiquette

Office Party Etiquette

If you have found this information helpful, please feel free to forward an email to your friends and business associates with a link to this page.

You are welcome to link your web site to our page "Office Etiquette" if it helps to spell out expected staff attitudes (smile).

Together we can build better harmony and cooperation in the workplace.

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