Employee Morale 101: How to Practice Good Workplace Etiquette

With more and more people returning to the office, there’s no better time to brush up on the importance of workplace etiquette.

The main goal of workplace etiquette is to nurture a welcoming environment. It’s based on treating others politely, kindly, and with respect. In many ways, how you present yourself speaks to who you are as a person.

Want to make sure you’re ready to return to the office? If so, here are some basic workplace etiquette tips that you need to keep in mind.

Stay Punctual

Arriving for work on time reinforces your reliability and time management skills. It also demonstrates your respect toward your coworkers. That’s particularly important in companies that run daily morning meetings.

Being late for work is fine once in a while, but it’s important to realize why. For instance, do you keep arriving late because you use public transportation? If so, consider leaving your home earlier to compensate for it.

Keep the Workplace Clean

Offices and cubicles are a good opportunity to create your personal space. That said, it’s best to stick to cleanliness and minimalism. Keep the personal items to a minimum and make sure they’re work-appropriate.

Take the same care when using the communal areas. For example, many companies have a break room of sorts. If you’re using the amenities inside, clean after yourself and respect others’ possessions.

Dress Appropriately

The dress code is a staple of workplace business etiquette. In general, it’s best to strive for modesty and wear simple and comfortable clothing. Keep in mind that the dress code also includes factors such as personal hygiene.

In most companies, the dress code will be part of the employee manual. If you’re not sure whether your attire is acceptable, refer to the manual. Seeing what your coworkers are wearing can also help clarify any doubts.

Temper Conversations

Many subjects aren’t great fodder for workplace discussion. These include politics, religion, money, sex, and—as of recently—the coronavirus. Most opinions about COVID-19 are rooted in politics and are best avoided.

Oftentimes, inappropriate conversations can lead to sexual harassment. That can be a challenging topic to discuss, but it’s important to address it. Have a look here for signs you’re being sexually harassed at work.

Practice Mindfulness

Being mindful of others is another big part of etiquette in the workplace. By practicing mindfulness, you showcase your collaboration skills. Whenever possible, offer help to others and respond to their requests on time.

Mindfulness can also include simple things, such as greetings. When you’re greeting someone, make eye contact and call them by their name. That said, you’ll also want to recognize their personal space.

The Importance of Workplace Etiquette

As workplaces continue to evolve, many business norms are going out the window. Still, the one norm that won’t go out of style is being polite. Follow this guide to demonstrate your workplace etiquette skills!

Want to know more about how to do your part in improving your workplace culture? Keep checking out our Business section!