Office etiquette is incredibly important for your professional career and relationships. No one wants to be a cubicle neighbor with someone who is rude and obnoxious. No matter how good you are at your job, people have lost things like allies and career advancement based solely on their lack of office etiquette.
Maintaining good office etiquette is just one aspect of fostering a positive work environment; implementing a reward program for staff can also play a significant role. Recognizing and rewarding employees for their hard work and contributions not only enhances job satisfaction but also strengthens team dynamics.
A well-structured reward program can encourage a culture of appreciation and respect, which complements the daily practice of good manners and professionalism. Just keep a few common sense things in mind when you punch the clock and you should be perfectly fine. Here are some tips:
Eat foods that won’t chase away vampires
Garlic is great and it can even help your heart, but it can do bad things to your personal relationships. No one wants to work closely with someone who smells like an Italian restaurant. Things like popcorn and tuna also have strong smells, especially when cooked. Stick to foods that are not as aromatic when you are snacking or enjoying your lunch.
Professional Language
Everyone drops the occasional “bad word” but you should try with everything in you to not drop these at work. This could actually offend a coworker and it is never a good thing to alienate those you work with. You also need to never, ever use text-speak or slang. Speaking proper English is essential. These rules are for all forms of communication, including quick emails and faxes.
Keep the Gossip Out of the Office
Everyone loves a little gossip. You surely want to know who is dating against company policy and who got a bit too toasted at the company picnic. However, these things should be discussed when you and some coworkers go out for happy hour after work if at all. Never talk about these things around the water cooler because you never know who could be eavesdropping and use your gossip against you. In fact, it is best to stay out of the gossip circle completely. (this isn't just a matter of office etiquette - distance yourself from gossiping in most areas of your life and you will probably be a happier person!)
Watch Your Scent
Perfume and cologne are great things. However, too much of a good thing is never good. Keep it light. Your colleagues will appreciate your good hygiene, but they do not want to be choked by you signature scent. Two quick squirts is enough for everyone. If you smell the other way, this article probably won’t help you. (Take a bath, silly)
Dress Professionally
While the movies portray that bosses love employees who dress like they are heading out to the club, in reality, they really do not. You should dress according to office policy. There are plenty of places to make a fashion statement, but the office is generally not one of them. There is nothing more distracting than someone walking around in clothes that absolutely do not match the professionalism of the office.
Your Cell Phone
Turn it off. If the phone is not a business phone, there are few reasons to have a cell phone on. If your kid is at home sick, you can have them call the office phone. If you must leave it on then vibrate is your best bet. Your coworkers do not want to hear your “Baby Got Back” ringtone when they are trying to read a company report.
Keep it Clean
When you eat lunch, clean up after yourself. Keep your cubicle clean. Clean up after yourself in the copy room. These are all easy concepts, yet every office has the resident slob that just annoys everyone.
Don't Raid The Office Fridge
Unless you brought it to the office, don't eat or drink it. This should be simple common sense, but you would be shocked at how many people see whatever is in the fridge as "fair game". I don't care if that can of soda has been in there for 3 days. The person who brought it in could be saving it for a time they are in the mood for a Coke. You KNOW that you didn't pay for it, so why would you think it is ok for you to take it?
What are some rules of office etiquette that I missed?
