It’s March 2024, and most are completely back to their daily work routine. Many people want to blame the pandemic for the most recent bad manners at the office, and whether or not the isolation and flux has had anything to do with a bad attitude or consistently being late to work or a meeting (which is a stretch!), it’s definitely time for an etiquette reboot. A refresher course on Workplace Etiquette is both timely and a heavily requested session.
Here are Office Etiquette Rules for 2024
Set the Example
Etiquette is all about how we treat other people, and the example starts at the top. A good leader knows they must model the behavior they expect from others. An employee is expected to earn their paycheck and that includes showing up to work with a good attitude and a desire to be a productive team member.
Offer Quality Training
Demonstrating to your employees that you value them, both personally and professionally, builds trust. LinkedIn’s 2023 Workplace Learning Report highlighted the importance of L&D: “Empowering employees with career development tools and internal mobility options engages learners and expands workforce skills.” Setting up monthly events and happy hours where the team can build goodwill outside of the office is another way to show your employees you are committed to their overall well-being.
Arrive to Work and Work Functions On Time – No Excuses
An occasional traffic jam is understandable, but a daily habit of tardiness is disrespectful to those who strive to be at their desk at the designated time. Showing up late for a lunch meeting is the same as arriving late for the work day (maybe worse if you are having lunch with a client).
Although you may not necessarily want to go to an after hour social or be a part of the monthly birthday brunch, attending an office-related event shows you are a team player and interested in making strong alliances.
Minimize Annoying Distractions
You may not think twice about putting your call on speaker, but it’s an interruption to your peers and discourteous to the caller. If you enjoy listening to music in your office, shut the door, or at the least, ask your coworkers if they mind you playing your favorite country western tunes.
Also Avoid:
- Smacking Gum
- Bringing Strong Smelling Foods to the Office
- Burning a Strong Scented Candle
- Heavy Cologne
- Humming or Singing Out Loud
- Taking Too Much Time in the Restroom
- Walking Barefoot in the Office
- Cutting Your Nails at Your Desk
- Scrolling TikTok at Your Desk
Set a Professional Standard
Avoid posting on social media during work hours, or wasting company time by searching for your next vacation spot when you have a deadline and peers are relying on you.
Establish Professional Boundaries
It may be tempting to jump into the fray with your coworkers about a particular person or situation you find annoying, but please bite your tongue. Once gossip gets rolling, it quickly can get out of control and you lose your credibility, even if you were not the one who started the conversation.
Be Wary of Mixing Work and Politics
From an etiquette point of view, I suggest avoiding political conversations in the workplace. That said, a 2023 Glassdoor survey found 61% of U.S. employees say they have discussed politics at work with colleagues sometime in the past 12 months. Those who have entered these waters know it can be a ‘double-edged sword.’ If you feel you must speak up and you understand the risks, Rebecca Knight for Harvard Business Review cautions: “The key to diplomatic relations is to show respect for the other side — even if you believe the other side is patently nuts.”
Dress for the Office
Even if you are working remotely, getting up and dressed makes you feel better about yourself. Follow the office policy if you work in an environment with a specific dress code. At the very least, don’t wear athletic wear unless you work at a gym and if you are working virtually, on Zoom, don’t forget to put on your pants.
Be a Good Collaborator
The ability to work well in a team environment is important at every level. It involves taking your responsibilities seriously, being a good communicator, asking questions, reaching out if you need assistance, and helping your team reach the ultimate goal.
Know the Corporate Culture
When an employee knows what is expected from them, they are more likely to thrive. If they feel valued, there is a distinct link between a successful business and the influence and mindset of the employees. A positive environment boosts employee morale, retention rate and turnover.
A company that nurtures employee development, customer care, respect of family and personal time, and fosters a positive work environment breeds motivated and engaged employees willing to grow and be flexible with the company.
Pay Attention to Detail
The ability to pay close attention to the job or project, making sure the information you convey is accurate, concise and error free. This can be seen in emails, verbal communication, large and small projects, and it results in a top quality product or service.
Practice Your Elevator Pitch
Princeton University describes an elevator pitch as follows: “An elevator pitch is a brief (think 30 seconds!) way of introducing yourself, getting across a key point or two, and making a connection with someone.” If you have your sights set on corporate advancement, you’ll want to get comfortable delivering a quick summary of who you are and the value you bring to the organization.
For more information about working with Diane, America’s “Go to” social and professional (manners) skills authority, please visit The Protocol School of Texas.
See what Diane is up to by following her on Instagram and Facebook. Find etiquette inspiration on her Pinterest account and keep up with her latest tweets. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, refer to her posts on Inc. and HuffPost.
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