How to Behave at the Office to Advance Your Career Workplace etiquette involves more than just saying “please” and “thank you.” When you come to work you, step into a place where being polite involves a greater expanse of responsibility and thoughtfulness. When considering different forms of concrete career advice such as how to present projects to your boss or get ahead, never forget the basics of working with others. The best career advice you may get will be how to behave when working in small spaces such as offices. No one wants to work with someone who cannot follow the unspoken rules of the workplace. Read the following tips to ensure that you aren’t committing any of these workplace no-nos.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
36- Taking Long Breaks – Few things annoy coworkers or supervisors more than someone who takes extra-long lunch or smoking breaks. If you can avoid smoking at work altogether, you should. People who do not smoke may become resentful of the extra time you take to indulge. When you go out to lunch, make sure you take only the allotted time. Stretching the time you spend away from your desk makes you look like you avoid hard work, no matter how productive you are.
- Coming in Late, Leaving Early – No one likes someone who shirks his or her duties. Even if you complete all of your tasks, you should stay at work the required amount of time. Coworkers are quick to notice someone who comes in late and leaves a little early. If you have trouble getting to work on time, talk to your supervisor about your tardy bad habit. Always put in at least as much time as the other people in your workplace, if not more. Be on time and leave on time.
- Talking Loudly – It is not just what you say, it’s how you say it. Try to keep your conversations between you and the person on the other end. Everyone at work is trying to do the same thing you are – get his or her job done. It is hard to concentrate when someone nearby continues to disrupt the workplace atmosphere with loud conversations, both on and off the phone. Monitor yourself and your voice. If you know that you tend to be loud, make a concerted effort to keep it quiet.
- Making a Mess – Your desk should be kept as clean as possible, but your personal workspace is minor compared to the shared spaces that are reserved for use by everyone. When you use a conference room or break area, always clean up after yourself. It is frustrating for those around you to discover the remains of your salad on the table in the lunchroom.
- Leave Home at Home – Though everyone occasionally must deal with personal emergencies at work, do your best to leave what is meant for home at home. If you have children, do not permit them to call you constantly at the office. Your coworkers will notice and it will likely bother some of them because it shows that your concentration is not centered on your tasks and that you take company time for personal issues. The same rule goes for friends and adult family members. Finally, try to avoid scheduling doctor appointments or paying bills while at work.
- Think Before you Speak – This rule applies to many workplace etiquette breaches. For example, do not complain about your supervisor in the lunch area, where he or she may overhear. This faux pas could result in uncomfortable situations. Similarly, do not gossip about coworkers. Tensions could easily result. When it is time to talk to your boss about your progress or evaluation, do so in an appropriate setting, such as a closed office. You never want to blurt out something that you will regret in front of the entire office.
- Control your Emotions – It seems that younger employees struggle with this issue more often. Issues at work may arise from time to time that elicit strong reactions from you or those around you. Minimize any emotional response you may have at work. Remember that constructive criticism is meant to help you and is not personal. Strong emotions may make you appear out of control, which is an undesirable workplace trait.
- Edit your Email – Review the company email policy and adhere to it. Do not forward email messages that you receive from friends and family to coworkers. Never send religious or political emails to people in the office; it could make people uncomfortable. Do not gossip about or discuss other people in email, as emails can be sent accidentally to the wrong person or be intercepted by management. If you do not want others to read what you have to say, do not send it in an email. Email is a powerful tool and should be respected, not abused.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
Hey that was really helpful... especially the email policy when ur workin in a place where multiple ethnicity exist... very effective... Thanks, Reagan Lemos
From India, Mumbai
From India, Mumbai
hey Nash, nice article... I did My summers recently in an organisation and I was trying to relate teh above habits with my mentor..a few of thwm were actually followed..and your article has also helped me to be careful when i join any organisation.... Thanks Again Kip Smiling Regards, Disha
From India, Madras
From India, Madras
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