Office Etiquette: 12 Dos and Don’ts of the Workplace

The workplace is a space that is like our second home. We spend most of our professional lives in the offices that define our careers and growth. How we behave and interact in the office says a lot about our character. Thus, entrepreneurs are more responsible for maintaining relationships while leading by example.

Everyone likes a pleasant and courteous personality, but it is not possible to maintain the same demeanour in challenging times. Business owners must watch every step because their actions are always scrutinised by co-workers, subordinates, customers, suppliers, partners, and others.

They have the onus of building a positive work culture that does not allow misbehaviour or disrespect towards others. So, here is a list of dos and don’ts that can help them raise the bar of office etiquette.

The Dos of Workplace Etiquette

Some unsaid rules need to be followed in every organisation. Let us look at them.

1. Be Punctual

As a rule of thumb, workers should be on time every day. Whether you are meeting a client, business partner or your team, ensure you are always punctual to display your earnestness and zeal. It is imperative to ensure that you are organised and can meet deadlines. It boosts your productivity and makes others in the organisation follow suit. It helps in building a company that values time and is engaged in maintaining its trustworthiness. If you have purchased a business for sale in New Zealand, you must make sure that you are on the dot for every activity.

2. Engage and Connect

Effective communication is an indispensable part of every organisation. Entrepreneurs need to interact actively with their employees to make them understand their vision, mission, and business goals. Also, connecting with them personally helps boost their morale and build lasting relationships that help in employee retention and satisfaction. It helps develop a work culture where everyone can share their views to collaborate and cooperate successfully.

3. Help Your Co-Workers

Training and development of workers in the organisation are essential for its growth. Thus, business owners should ensure that every employee proactively supports each other without feeling envious of others’ progress. The entrepreneur should set a precedent by making himself available for input and suggestions whenever needed by the workforce. The managers should be trained to offer advice and guidance to their subordinates to promote teamwork and group effort.

4. Dress Appropriately

The entrepreneur should pay attention to his attire for work and must be dressed professionally. It indicates that they mean business and are ready to make an impression on the clients, investors, employees, etc. It encourages employees to wear neat and formal clothing that maintains the organisation's reputation. It instils confidence and helps make an impact on potential clients. It showcases sophistication, enthusiasm, and willingness to succeed.

5. Use Professional Language

A business needs to maintain professionalism in every aspect of its work. Thus, it is imperative to use appropriate and correct English without any grammatical errors or slang. Whether you are talking to team members, replying to client’s email, or chatting online with a potential investor, it is best to use polished and refined language to avoid miscommunication. Using wrong or improper phrases leaves a bad impression on others and appears amateurish. So, choose your words wisely to display your expertise and ability.

6. Respect Boundaries

Boundaries are critical in the workplace to ensure the happiness and satisfaction of the employees. They help define the work culture and respect that needs to be shown towards each other. The entrepreneur must set boundaries to ensure that the private space of the employees is not intruded upon, and they are not getting bullied or harassed. This approach helps in reducing disputes and encourages a healthy and peaceful work culture.

The Don’ts of Workplace Etiquette

It is crucial to maintain the sanctity of the office by avoiding sloppy and crude behaviour. Here is what is not acceptable in the workplace.

1. Indulging in Gossip

Some workers have the habit of talking about the personal affairs of their colleagues to have a laugh or backbite about them. It is an unhealthy practice and can lead to a toxic environment in the office filled with animosity and a lack of trust. These conversations give birth to rumours and negative information that damage the image of the organisation and its workforce. It wastes the workers' time and increases uncertainty and anxiety among them.

2. Bringing Personal Problems to Work

Whether you are a business owner or a worker, letting your personal life affect your professional work is unacceptable. If you are undergoing a stressful situation at home, you cannot take it out in the form of anger and frustration while working. It is essential to seek professional help for mental health and a positive attitude.

Surround yourself with happy people and progressive ideas to stop negative thoughts. You can take some time off or get involved in some activity that helps to stay calm. As an entrepreneur who has recently purchased a business for sale in New Zealand, you should stay peaceful and undisturbed.

3. Arguing With Colleagues

Disagreements are inevitable among co-workers. However, the matter should not escalate into an argument or a fight that spoils the environment. Any conflict of opinion must be resolved with the interference of the management. It is essential to allow them to vent individually and understand their viewpoint to conclude the argument. The management must come up with a solution that is acceptable to everyone and maintains the decorum of the office.

4. Showing A Lack of Flexibility

Some entrepreneurs have a rigid outlook towards working procedures and management. They are unwilling to budge from their stance when it comes to showing flexibility. It can be harmful to the business and lead to dissatisfaction among the customers and the workforce. Thus, business owners should have the foresight to identify opportunities and pivot whenever necessary to stay ahead. Change is an ongoing process and is vital for avoiding stagnation.

5. Avoiding Asking Questions

Being overtly silent and discreet in an office environment doesn’t help the workers or the employers. They need to be communicative and put forth their ideas and opinions on every issue concerning the future of the business. They also need to question without any inhibitions or feeling scared. It helps identify problems with projects, improve quality, and enhance transparency.

6. Allowing Personal Bias to Affect Decisions

New Zealand is known for its diversity and multicultural society. However, there are people who may have biases towards different religions, races, sexual orientations, and ethnicities. These personal prejudices can hamper work and hurt the sentiments of employees. Thus, entrepreneurs must treat every worker equally and acknowledge their contributions. It is vital to building an inclusive workplace that respects every individual. It helps in bringing variety to the work and delivering projects that appeal to all segments.

Conclusion

Offices need a protocol that the employer and employees must follow to maintain their dignity. Thus, the human resource department must communicate the dos and don'ts of the workplace to keep the environment positive and healthy.