5 Non-Negotiable Workplace Etiquette Rules That Everyone Needs To Know
The following column is the opinion and analysis of the writer, Katharina Buczek.
Once you enter the workforce, it becomes clear that there is a standard expectation of office etiquette and manners.
Sure, company culture can vary depending on where you work and who is on your team. But in general, there tends to be a universal expectation of appropriate behavior– which essentially boils down to professionalism, respect, and self-awareness.
And while some of these “unspoken rules” might seem unnecessary, they are key for making workflow smoother and more pleasant for everyone involved.
So, whether you just graduated college or have been in the workforce for decades, it is never too late to brush up on your etiquette.
Let’s dive into the top five workplace etiquette rules that everyone should follow.
Show Respect To Others
This rule may sound obvious, but it can be easy to forget that nearly every little thing we do impacts others– and can sometimes be disrespectful.
So, while you don’t have to be best buds with all of your colleagues, it is important to actively work on respecting them. After all, you are a team– and without mutual respect and understanding, the office can become a toxic place.
BGStock72 – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual person
One of the main ways you can practice respect is by getting to know your coworkers’ names and pronouns. Address people how they want to be addressed, and work to mitigate any mispronunciations.
If you work in the office, respect will also transcend verbal communication and be a critical part of the office environment. Sharing a workplace can be tricky since people focus in different manners and are on varying schedules.
That’s why you should be sure to request meetings ahead of time and refrain from distracting others when they are busy at work. Plus, if you work in an open office structure, don’t be disruptive.
If you enjoy listening to music while working, pop in some headphones. Don’t put on a concert for the whole team.
Remote Workers: Practice Self-Awareness
Working from home has its pros and its cons. For some, the inevitable virtual meetings are one downside that can feel unnatural.
However, many of the same etiquette rules that apply inside a physical office also apply online.
Would you ever show up to the office in your pajamas without brushing your teeth or running a comb through your hair? If not, don’t do that for virtual meetings, either.
Even if you are working from home, you still have to maintain professionalism. Dress appropriately before logging onto any meeting.
And afterward, once you actually join a video call, be sure to speak up whenever you are asked to contribute. Don’t just be a silent watcher. This can make virtual meetings last longer than they need to and be uncomfortable for everyone involved.
At the same time, remember that you are on camera. Sit up straight, use attentive body language, and make eye contact with the camera when speaking.
When others are speaking, also be sure to mute your microphone to avoid contributing to any background noise.
Finally, it can be difficult to work at home without a proper office or space. Still, it is essential that you try to make your background as professional as possible.
Find a wall or corner to take your meetings in front of. And if you are really out of options, consider blurring out your background to lessen distractions.
Think Before You Speak
When so many different people come together to work toward a common goal, conflicting personalities, attitudes, and perspectives are inevitable.
So, how you view a problem or task will often differ from at least some other colleagues.
That’s why it is important to speak thoughtfully about work-related assignments, activities, and issues. Also, take the time to hear out other people and actually listen to them.
You may not always be able to find common ground– which is okay. But you must respect other people’s opinions anyway. That is a non-negotiable.
Due to inevitable coworker differences, it is also best to avoid debating inflammatory topics– such as religion or politics– in the office. You can definitely work to learn about others but never try to push your perspective on other people.
Be A Team Player
Most work can seldom be completed alone, meaning that collaboration is necessary. So, being a team player is critical.
First, have trust in your colleagues. Divvy up tasks appropriately, and focus on your own work. Try not to micromanage or be overbearing.
At the same time, do your best to fulfill your responsibilities ahead of any deadlines. Oftentimes, work cycles through a pipeline of people– meaning that if you are behind, you are delaying other coworkers’ flow.
This can lead to frustration and animosity among your team, especially if this is a recurrent problem. So, communicate when you need help and prioritize time management. It will help your entire office run smoother.
Lunch Expectations
Upon starting a new job, you will find that it is common for coworkers to invite each other out to lunch. As a new hire, you may be invited– and treated– to your first “lunch meeting.”
But it is important to know when it is your turn to cover the tab.
A general rule of thumb is that if you are invited out to lunch, you will not be paying the bill. However, when you opt to invite a coworker out to eat, you will be expected to pick up the tab.
As time goes on, these lunch payments will all even themselves out– with people cyclically “treating” others. So, don’t make a big deal out of paying, and simply focus on getting to know your team members over some good food.
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