A Few Workplace Etiquette Rules

Companies are so different in terms of workplace etiquette. While some are more laidback, others are extremely puritanical in their way of office etiquette, so it’s best to stick with policy across the board. Not only will this make your life easier, but it helps to make friends and not cause office politics.

Gossip is a No-No

Gossip is standard if offices across the world and it cannot be avoided; however you can do your best to not be a part of it. This is the first rule in workplace etiquette and people don’t take it seriously enough. Apart from being an office gossip, people rarely give much thought to how difficult and uncomfortable it can be for the person they’re gossiping about. If you gain a reputation as an office gossip, it’s not something to be proud of. Bosses won’t take you seriously, and your colleagues will distrust you.

Hold off on Judgement

In offices we are thrown into a melting pot of personalities and there are some we will clash with, and others we will gel with. Workplace etiquette calls for non-judgement of your colleagues. It’s unfair to make a judgement call on someone if they’re not as experienced as you are, or you don’t like their personal style. It’s also unfair of others to judge you on the same points. It’s not your place to judge your colleagues, and if you are forced to, then make a point of constructive criticism that will help them, instead of making them feel inadequate and uncomfortable.

Email

Workplace etiquette extends to every detail of your work day, and that includes email etiquette. Formal emails show professionalism and respect. When referring to something of importance try to avoid sarcasm and humour. The same goes for smiley faces and abbreviating words. It’s all well and good if you don’t mind shortening words when you’re using your mobile, however that’s really as far as it goes; anything after that is just seen as bad grammar and spelling. It’s also difficult for people to read if they don’t enjoy mobile user language.

Tidiness

Everyone loathes it when their colleagues leave a mess behind and expect anyone else to clean it up. If you jam the printer, workplace etiquette would be to fix it unless you require a technician. Don’t leave your dirty dishes to stink up the office, and try not to eat tuna sandwiches every day and leave the smelly wrapper around to add ‘flavour’ to the office odour.

As a freelance writer Vida Denning has seen workplace etiquette vary from office to office, but the bottom line remains the same whether you be working at serviced offices gold coast, or in Hong Kong.