Workplace Etiquette

1
Workplace Etiquette

• by
• Jennifer L. Frey

2
Definition of Etiquette

• Etiquette - n rules governing socially
  acceptable behavior.
• The conduct or procedure prescribed by authority
  to be observed in social or official life.
• The practices and forms prescribed by social
  convention or by authority.

3
Etiquette is found in many areas of daily life

• Workplace Boating
• Golf course Driving a vehicle
• Telephone Email, letters, memos
• Air travel Sports
• School

4
The whys of etiquette

• To avoid negative confrontation
• To avoid politics, i.e., in the office, on the
  golf course, on the highway, traveling by boat,
  flying in the air.
• To communicate effectively with an opposing
  opinion of another person(s).
• To be organized and in a uniformed way.

5
Misunderstandings among co-workers lead to
workplace tension

• Whether you work for a
• small non-profit
• organization, a giant
• multi national corporation,
• or something in-between,
• chances are you spend
• many hours a day in close
• proximity to other people.

6
Workplace etiquette - why is it so important?

• Avoid workplace tension
• To avoid employee stress
• Avoid misunderstandings
• Employee job satisfaction
• Increase productivity
• Get the job done
• To make the workplace a happy, stress-free place

7
Sensory reminders of how to get along in the
workplace

• Sound
• Monitor the volume of conversations
• Keep personal telephone conversations and emails
  to a minimum
• Maintain privacy - keep all workplace
  conversations professional
• Avoid interruptions
• DONT GOSSIP!

8
Sensory reminders of how to get along in the
workplace

• Scent
• Be sensitive to scents and smells surrounding
  you, i.e. perfumes, cologne
• If eating at your desk avoid eating foods strong
  in smells and aromas - can become unpleasant

9
Sensory reminders of how to get along in the
workplace

• Sight
• Keep your personal workspace clean and neat at
  all times
• Use shared areas with respect and courtesy -
  clean up after yourself

10
Getting to the top!

• Positive attitude
• Willingness to help
• Mutual respect
• Compromise
• Punctuality
• Professional dress
• Respect for others opinions
• Teamwork

11
Getting to the top - continued!

• Show appreciation or give credit for a job well
  done
• Speak well of your co-workers
• Try not to step on anyones toes, or hurt
  anyones feelings
• BE COURTEOUS!

12
Dilbert - what to say, and what not to say in the
workplace!
13
Key Elements to a productive, happy workplace!

• The three Bs
• Be Kind
• Be Courteous
• Be Respectful