The Ten Commandments of Office Etiquettes

[Anonymous]

The Ten Commandments of Office Etiquettes
Yvette Maurice
Don't be a workplace pest, follow this advice instead.

The workplace has changed, and we have to evolve along with it. Manners create a framework that allow us to communicate with fewer misunderstandings, and with clear expectations for what will happen. Good manners are simply knowing how to behave in a way that doesn’t make the people around you uncomfortable.

The workplace has changed, and we have to evolve along with it. Manners create a framework that allow us to communicate with fewer misunderstandings, and with clear expectations for what will happen. Good manners are simply knowing how to behave in a way that doesn’t make the people around you uncomfortable.

Being mindful of those around us can enhance our job prospects and help us get ahead more easily, both in the workplace and in life.

Here are 10 things you can do to make life in the office easier for you and for those around you.

1. Don’t “blame-storm”

It’s like brainstorming, but where everyone gets together to decide who messed up. If you’ve made a mistake at work (and we all do from time to time), admit it and work out how to fix it if you can.

2. Keep interruptions to a minimum

Try not to make loud personal phone calls, don’t constantly bother your desk neighbours and interrupt their work flow. Show a little caring and respect – it goes a long way.

3. If someone does something nice, be appreciative

If your colleague makes you tea, buys you a coffee, saves you a seat at a meeting or holds the lift door, be grateful and say thank you.

4. Be helpful and cooperate with your colleagues

If someone has a problem you can help them with, don’t ignore them. We all know how frustrating a jammed photocopier or a missing file can be. Take five minutes out of your day to help those around you. People notice small courtesies.

5. Look after new employees

We all know what it’s like to be the new guy. Taking a few minutes to help out a newbie can be a really worthwhile thing to do. Help them find the stationery cupboard, show them where the mugs are kept. Demonstrate how to use the new-fangled coffee machine.

6. Wait your turn to speak in a meeting

We’ve all been at meetings where someone just won’t shut up. It’s the stuff they teach you in kindergarten, but some people can’t get a handle on it. Don’t interrupt, let others have their say and don’t talk over people.

7. Don’t hover

If someone is on the phone or immersed in a task, don’t stand behind them and wait to interrupt them. The same goes for the kitchen and the photocopier. Make sure you give people the correct amount of personal space and don’t tap your foot or drum your fingers impatiently.

8. Keep your headphones and radio low

If you work in a shared space, make sure there is no sound leaking from your headphones, as this can be really annoying to others. If you have a radio on, consider using headphones. If you’re sure that all your colleagues like the music on – keep the volume low, and let everyone know that you are willing to switch it off if they need to concentrate.

9. Don’t gossip

Office gossip can be very destructive and hurtful, plus it can make people not trust you. Negatively speaking about another person’s work or personal life can make you seem vindictive and self-serving. Try to see the best in people and if you wouldn’t want someone gossiping about you, don’t gossip about them.

10. If you borrow something – return it!

If you want someone to share their things with you, offer the common courtesy of making it a priority to return them.

So, how do you stack up?

Yvette Maurice works with online vocational education institute Open Colleges.

The Ten Commandments of Office Etiquettes
Yvette Maurice
Don't be a workplace pest, follow this advice instead.

The workplace has changed, and we have to evolve along with it. Manners create a framework that allow us to communicate with fewer misunderstandings, and with clear expectations for what will happen. Good manners are simply knowing how to behave in a way that doesn’t make the people around you uncomfortable.

The workplace has changed, and we have to evolve along with it. Manners create a framework that allow us to communicate with fewer misunderstandings, and with clear expectations for what will happen. Good manners are simply knowing how to behave in a way that doesn’t make the people around you uncomfortable.

Being mindful of those around us can enhance our job prospects and help us get ahead more easily, both in the workplace and in life.

Here are 10 things you can do to make life in the office easier for you and for those around you.

1. Don’t “blame-storm”

It’s like brainstorming, but where everyone gets together to decide who messed up. If you’ve made a mistake at work (and we all do from time to time), admit it and work out how to fix it if you can.

2. Keep interruptions to a minimum

Try not to make loud personal phone calls, don’t constantly bother your desk neighbours and interrupt their work flow. Show a little caring and respect – it goes a long way.

3. If someone does something nice, be appreciative

If your colleague makes you tea, buys you a coffee, saves you a seat at a meeting or holds the lift door, be grateful and say thank you.

4. Be helpful and cooperate with your colleagues

If someone has a problem you can help them with, don’t ignore them. We all know how frustrating a jammed photocopier or a missing file can be. Take five minutes out of your day to help those around you. People notice small courtesies.

5. Look after new employees

We all know what it’s like to be the new guy. Taking a few minutes to help out a newbie can be a really worthwhile thing to do. Help them find the stationery cupboard, show them where the mugs are kept. Demonstrate how to use the new-fangled coffee machine.

6. Wait your turn to speak in a meeting

We’ve all been at meetings where someone just won’t shut up. It’s the stuff they teach you in kindergarten, but some people can’t get a handle on it. Don’t interrupt, let others have their say and don’t talk over people.

7. Don’t hover

If someone is on the phone or immersed in a task, don’t stand behind them and wait to interrupt them. The same goes for the kitchen and the photocopier. Make sure you give people the correct amount of personal space and don’t tap your foot or drum your fingers impatiently.

8. Keep your headphones and radio low

If you work in a shared space, make sure there is no sound leaking from your headphones, as this can be really annoying to others. If you have a radio on, consider using headphones. If you’re sure that all your colleagues like the music on – keep the volume low, and let everyone know that you are willing to switch it off if they need to concentrate.

9. Don’t gossip

Office gossip can be very destructive and hurtful, plus it can make people not trust you. Negatively speaking about another person’s work or personal life can make you seem vindictive and self-serving. Try to see the best in people and if you wouldn’t want someone gossiping about you, don’t gossip about them.

10. If you borrow something – return it!

If you want someone to share their things with you, offer the common courtesy of making it a priority to return them.

So, how do you stack up?

Yvette Maurice works with online vocational education institute Open Colleges.

[Author]

February 13, 2014 at 10:03 AM