Understanding the fundamental rules of office behavior can directly impact the job experience and future success. The manager might be taken by surprise that a new staff member doesn’t know how to answer the phone and the new employee might wonder why people get upset when they don’t arrive at work on time. Here are the top office etiquette tips for helping new employees adjust to the office environment.
Rule #1: Ask about how the office works – For example find out how the company likes to have the phone answered and messages taken, check out rules about what can and can’t be left out on your desk when the workday is over, if it is ok to put photos up, how long the lunch break is, who makes the coffee in the morning, is the dress code casual or business, is there an office fund for coffee supplies, birthday celebrations that you might want to participate in.
Rule #2: Think Before You Speak – It’s easier said than done. You want to make sure you aren’t offending anyone with your conversation or tone. There is a saying “ You can’t un- ring a bell ”. Once something is out of your mouth you can’t ever take it back
Rule #3: Don’t Just Speak When Spoken to – Greeting your coworkers is an important gesture that people sometimes forget. And it’s very important to talk to your boss and share information about what you are working on or to see if you can help them with a project they have a deadline for. I have seen some people who are brand new to the work place act like they wish they were invisible. This is the worst thing you can do if you plan to make a lasting impression
Rule #4: Arriving Early is On Time, Being On Time is Late – Punctuality is key. It is important to remember that arriving on time can make or break a potential employer’s perception of you.
Rule #5: Keep Your Personal Matters at Home – Everyone has a bad day now and then but leave the bad mood at the door. Someone who brings their personal issues into the office can have a negative impact on the productivity of everyone around them.
Rule #6: Save the Mini Skirt for After Work Hours – Dress the part. There’s a fine line between being stylish and inappropriate. Leave six inches heals mini skirts and low cut sweaters for off hours. You want to gain attention from your colleagues for all the right reasons.
Rule #7: Take a 9am-5pm Vacation from your cell phone – It’s not ok to text constantly during the workday unless it is part of your job. Even though you might think no one sees you texting when you have your phone under your desk on you lap – they do.
Rule #8: Be a Team Player – Make it a point to express to your coworkers that you will be of assistance when needed. It is also it be considerate of them when planning your workday schedule.
Rule #9: Think about how your behavior impacts others – Don’t chew gum in a meeting. Make sure your clothing is clean and ironed, and that you shower on a regular basis. One of the most embarrassing things an employer can be faced with is having to tell a staff member that they have gotten complaints about someone’s personal hygiene.
Rule# 10: Never gossip about anyone – ever.
Rule #1: Ask about how the office works – For example find out how the company likes to have the phone answered and messages taken, check out rules about what can and can’t be left out on your desk when the workday is over, if it is ok to put photos up, how long the lunch break is, who makes the coffee in the morning, is the dress code casual or business, is there an office fund for coffee supplies, birthday celebrations that you might want to participate in.
Rule #2: Think Before You Speak – It’s easier said than done. You want to make sure you aren’t offending anyone with your conversation or tone. There is a saying “ You can’t un- ring a bell ”. Once something is out of your mouth you can’t ever take it back
Rule #3: Don’t Just Speak When Spoken to – Greeting your coworkers is an important gesture that people sometimes forget. And it’s very important to talk to your boss and share information about what you are working on or to see if you can help them with a project they have a deadline for. I have seen some people who are brand new to the work place act like they wish they were invisible. This is the worst thing you can do if you plan to make a lasting impression
Rule #4: Arriving Early is On Time, Being On Time is Late – Punctuality is key. It is important to remember that arriving on time can make or break a potential employer’s perception of you.
Rule #5: Keep Your Personal Matters at Home – Everyone has a bad day now and then but leave the bad mood at the door. Someone who brings their personal issues into the office can have a negative impact on the productivity of everyone around them.
Rule #6: Save the Mini Skirt for After Work Hours – Dress the part. There’s a fine line between being stylish and inappropriate. Leave six inches heals mini skirts and low cut sweaters for off hours. You want to gain attention from your colleagues for all the right reasons.
Rule #7: Take a 9am-5pm Vacation from your cell phone – It’s not ok to text constantly during the workday unless it is part of your job. Even though you might think no one sees you texting when you have your phone under your desk on you lap – they do.
Rule #8: Be a Team Player – Make it a point to express to your coworkers that you will be of assistance when needed. It is also it be considerate of them when planning your workday schedule.
Rule #9: Think about how your behavior impacts others – Don’t chew gum in a meeting. Make sure your clothing is clean and ironed, and that you shower on a regular basis. One of the most embarrassing things an employer can be faced with is having to tell a staff member that they have gotten complaints about someone’s personal hygiene.
Rule# 10: Never gossip about anyone – ever.
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