The Dos and Don’ts of Workplace Etiquette

28 of April, 2023

The workplace is unique, bustling with activity and characters that are each individual in their own right. It’s where personalities intersect and come together to work efficiently and effectively. With the knowledge of how to interact in the workplace, you can ensure that all of your team members remain respectful and productive.

That’s why it’s important to establish and maintain good etiquette in the workplace. Whether you’re a HR manager or a business owner, you should provide your team with clear guidelines on how to act inside the office.

To help you out, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of dos and don’ts when it comes to workplace etiquette so that everyone gets along and has a pleasant work experience. Let’s get started with Sesame’s list of Dos and Don’ts of workplace etiquette.

The Basics of Office Etiquette

Good workplace etiquette is essential for any business to succeed. It’s not just about setting a pleasant and professional atmosphere—it also sets the standard for how everyone in the office should conduct themselves and interact with each other.

So, if you’re wondering where to begin your journey toward better workplace etiquette, here are some basics to follow:

• Respect Each Other’s Personal Space: Everyone in the workplace needs to be given their own space and respect. Make sure to keep conversations at an appropriate level and avoid encroaching on someone else’s physical or emotional space.
• Show Respect in Meetings: Meetings are a crucial part of any office environment, so it’s important that everyone present treat each other with respect. Showing up on time, speaking in turn and engaging constructively are all key elements of proper meeting etiquette.
• Be Positive and Supportive: Your attitude sets the tone for the office atmosphere, so it’s important to maintain a positive outlook. Encourage others’ ideas, but don’t be dismissive of them either—supportive communication is key for effective collaboration.

By following these basic principles of office etiquette, you can create a harmonious work environment where everyone is respected and valued.

Dress Code and Professionalism

It’s true—how you dress says something about who you are and how you present yourself. That’s why it’s important to adhere to the organization’s dress code and maintain a high level of professionalism while at work.

To make sure everyone on the team is always on their best behavior, here are some do’s and don’ts to observe:

• Do: Dress in accordance with the organization’s code of conduct. This may include wearing business casual attire, formal business wear, or a uniform as specified by the organization
• Don’t: Don dress that may be considered too casual for the office setting such as tank tops, midriff shirts, shorts, or flip flops
• Do: Maintain personal hygiene and groom yourself in a professional manner
• Don’t: Overdo it on jewelry, makeup or cologne—you want to look presentable, not distracting!

By adhering to these guidelines and keeping a professional attitude, you’ll be able to make sure all employees are putting their best foot forward in the workplace.

Communicating Effectively & Respectfully

Communicating effectively and respectfully is key when it comes to workplace etiquette. The way you communicate with your colleagues reflects on your professionalism, so here are some tips to make sure your workplace conversations are always respectful and effective:

Listen Carefully

When you’re in business meetings or professional conversations, show respect by listening carefully. This means not only actively engaging with what is said but also being mindful of body language and avoiding distractions like checking your phone.

Respect Everyone’s Opinions

It’s natural to disagree on things in the workplace, but try to remember that everyone has a right to express their opinion and ideas. Treat everyone’s thoughts with respect, even if you don’t agree with them. Instead of dismissing different perspectives, use them as an opportunity for learning new ideas.

Be Professional

Finally, be sure to stay professional at all times in the workplace—that means no shouting or swearing at colleagues or talking about sensitive topics like religion and politics that could make anyone uncomfortable. As a rule of thumb, treat others how you would like to be treated yourself.

Using these tips can help create a better work environment where everyone feels respected and comfortable.

Nonverbal Communication: Body Language & More

Did you know that nonverbal communication matters, too? You might be tempted to think that workplace etiquette is only about the words we use and how we treat other people. Body language is just as important as verbal communication when it comes to making a good impression in the workplace.

Here are some key dos and don’ts of nonverbal communication to help you make a great impression:

Do:

• Make eye contact during conversations—this shows confidence and attentiveness.
• Smile—it will make you appear more approachable to your colleagues.
• Use hand gestures when appropriate—they help to emphasize key points during conversations.
• Nod your head—this encourages continued discussion and more dialog from others.

Don’t:

• Avoid crossing your arms across your chest—it shows that you’re closed off and not interested in the conversation.
• Dare not roll your eyes at anyone, especially supervisors or team members—you can express frustration without showing it on your face.
• In most workplaces, fidgeting too much with objects, like clicking a pen or drumming fingers, can be seen as disruptive behavior. Try to avoid such actions.

Nonverbal communication plays an important role in determining how our coworkers view us, so it’s important to stay mindful of our body language at all times! With a little bit of practice and some thoughtfulness, you can make a great first impression with everyone around you!

Appropriate Social Interactions at Work

When it comes to workplace etiquette, you should always keep in mind that it’s all about having the right social interactions with coworkers. Respectful communication is key—we’re all in this together!

Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind:

Dos

• Acknowledge your colleagues when coming into the office. Greet them with a friendly smile and a hello.
• Respect everyone’s personal space and boundaries. Do not intrude upon them without permission.
• Make sure you keep an eye on your tone of voice. It should be professional at all times.
• Be proactive with assistance when someone needs help. Don’t be afraid to lend a hand or offer advice if it’s asked for.

Don’ts

• Don’t gossip or spread rumors. It will only create an unhealthy work culture and can hurt relationships with your colleagues.
• Avoid personal conversations during work hours, as they can be distracting and unproductive for those around you.
• Don’t take credit for someone else’s ideas or hard work; always give credit where it’s due, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem at first glance.
• Refrain from using negative language when speaking to your coworkers; instead opt for constructive criticism that encourages professional growth and development.

Remember, workplace etiquette is about creating an environment where everyone feels respected and appreciated, so that everyone can perform their jobs to the best of their abilities! With Sesame, creating a respectful workspace becomes easy—it helps HR managers ensure workplace etiquette guidelines are followed through analytics reports on employee performance

Handling Conflict in the Workplace

Conflict in the workplace is inevitable, but how you handle it is entirely up to you. To keep a professional and productive atmosphere, familiarize yourself with some key dos and don’ts for handling conflict in the workplace.

Do: Address Conflict Quickly

Letting issues fester can make them much bigger problems down the line, so be sure to address issues as soon as they come up. Dealing with it quickly and effectively can help ensure that further chaos or disruption does not result.

Don’t: Take it Personally

When dealing with a conflict situation, try to remain calm and professional. Even if you feel like the other person is to blame or has wronged you, try to step back and think objectively about how best to move forward.

Do: Listen More than You Speak

When discussing a disagreement, listen more than you speak. Really hear what the other person is saying and consider their perspective before offering your own point of view. This will show respect for their opinion and make it more likely that both parties can reach an agreeable solution.

Don’t: Establish a Hostile Environment

Be mindful of how you communicate when dealing with conflict situations– aggressive language will only put people on edge and make it difficult to get ahead. Try using “I” statements to communicate your point of view instead of leaning on blame or criticism of others.

With Sesame HR software managing workplace issues becomes easy. By setting clear guidelines for behavior and conduct and tracking the progress of potential conflicts that arise, you can give your HR team peace of mind!

Conclusion

All in all, workplace etiquette is an important part of any successful business. Being mindful of others and setting the right example can make the workday more enjoyable and efficient for everyone involved. By adopting the right attitude and following these simple dos and don’ts, you can help ensure that you respect everyone in your workplace and maximize their productivity.

With the help of Sesame, HR managers and business owners can stay on top of their office etiquette policy, training, and any potential issues. Take advantage of the advanced features of Sesame and make sure that your workplace is respectful and professional.