Work Savvy: Business etiquette done right
As a new generation enters the workforce, conflict inevitably arises over what constitutes proper workplace etiquette. Rules change, shift, loosen or disappear altogether over time. There's no denying that Generation Y (that's us) grew up with more lax standards when it comes to matters of manners. There were no Emily Post lectures at our dinner table. We call our bosses by their first names and keep personal cell phones within reach at all times. When entering the workforce today, it can be hard to know what to expect (and what is expected of you). Here are some quick tips that will help you avoid embarrassing etiquette faux pas.
Appearances do matter. I know, we're raised to not judge a book by its cover, but how you present yourself in the workplace says a lot about your character and professionalism. Each company may have a different dress code, so it's up to you to do a little sleuthing and figure out exactly what your workplace's standards are. Remember: business casual does not mean ripped jeans and smelly concert tees. When in doubt, aim for overdressed, not under.
There's no denying that we live in a time of constant connectedness. Nobody expects you to surrender your iPhone at the door. What is expected is that you use technology in a responsible, respectful manner. Keep your cell on silent--vibrate doesn't work if you leave it on your desk--and don’t text or answer your phone during meetings.
If your work environment allows you to listen to music, use headphones. Make sure to take them off when someone talks to you, even if you can hear them anyway. A good rule of thumb is: people first, tech gadgets second.
Some people like to work in a perfectly organized area. Others thrive in cluttered chaos. Either way is acceptable--to a certain degree. A messy desk cluttered with work-related papers is one thing. A messy desk strewn with discarded Red Bull cans, rotting food and dead plants is not cool. Remember that you don't work in a bubble. Don't offend people’s senses with smelly lunches (reheated fish filet), overly scented candles, or anything else that's offensive and best left at home.
Lots of people are afraid to ask questions because they don't want to sound stupid. This is a major behavioral no-no, and a huge impediment to success in the workplace. The only way to know how you can best operate within your company is to ask. Talk with your boss and coworkers about their expectations.
In 2008, 43% of companies monitored work email accounts, according to a survey by the American Management Association. It’s important to keep everything at work, even your email, completely professional. You’ll feel more relaxed if you take the time to really figure out the company’s culture and policies--and you’ll impress others with your professionalism.
Sources: forbes.com; careerbuilder.com; amanet.org; cnet.com; bls.gov
Business etiquette is not static, but dynamic, and is always changing to represent actions that display values of respect, kindness and humility. Although acceptable etiquette practices may change, the values on which they are built are lasting and enduring.
Hi Jerry. You make an excellent point. The expectations of professional behavior change, especially in our generation. However, no matter how flexible etiquette may be, clutter and obnoxious music are going to be unacceptable.
This is an interesting article...
According to a report by The Ladders
swearing is the most unacceptable office faux pas. It reveals that one in ten UK bosses has fired an employee for swearing at work; whilst 17% have reprimanded staff for bad manners such as lunchtime drinking, personal calls and gossiping.
The poll of the UK’s senior executives jobs by the management careers site shows that 47% of bosses would fire for bad language whilst 96% of senior managers said that they would find a foul mouthed colleague unacceptable to work alongside in the office.
Derek Pilcher of The Ladders says: “Gordon Ramsay and other celebrities have made swearing fashionable – particularly in the workplace. Some may say that swearing eases stress at work and is a way of bonding with fellow colleagues. But employees beware, in every office there exists an invisible line between professional and unprofessional behaviour and the overuse of the F word crosses the line.”
Swearing should absolutely be kept to a minimum, or better yet, none at all. Thanks for sharing!
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