Whether we are in an office setting full time, part time, as a consultant or a sales representative, there are certain rules of office etiquette that must be honored.
We can never lose sight of the fact that the office is our place of business and employment. When we’re at work or at work-related activities, then we are expected to be respectful of our jobs and our employer. It is easy to get caught up in a sense of community and friendship and lose sight of the bigger picture. The fact remains that while in the office or at work related activities, you are a representative of your employer.
Here are my Top 7 Big Don’ts of Office Etiquette:
7. Don’t forget you are part of a team. Don't grumble about participating in the birthday celebrations and company picnics.
6. Don’t abuse social media. Rants and raves during spells of frustration or anger on Facebook, Twitter or other social media outlets about your office, boss or coworkers will probably come back to haunt you. Social media is public! We’ve all heard the stories of employees who have lost their jobs because of something they've posted on social media.
5. Don’t abuse the company’s email. When you are in the office, you are there to do business. The company email is for company use. There is a time and place for funny jokes and clever pictures but use your business email wisely.
4. Don’t gossip or get involved in negative office politics. There is nothing worse than being thought of as an office bully or troublemaker. There are no winners when you begin slinging mud or perpetuating office rumors. It never builds up your professional self-esteem to destroy someone else’s.
3. Don’t dress like you are headed for a day at the beach. Dress appropriately for work. Casual work attire doesn’t mean beachwear, shabby jeans or short shorts. Dress as if everyday was a job interview and you want to put your best foot forward.
2. Don’t become an embarrassment at social events. Don’t drink too much, say anything that you wouldn’t want to get back to the boss or act inappropriately. After the party or event, you are still going to work at the same office with the same people.
1. Don’t be or act like a diva. The office world does not revolve around you and your wants and desires. Manners and civility are always important – in and out of the office! Absolutely no temper tantrums or swearing! Anything less than business-like behavior will get you either fired or forgotten about when it comes time for a promotion.
We can never lose sight of the fact that the office is our place of business and employment and we must be respectful of the work environment. What would you add to this list of seven office etiquette don’ts?
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Sharon Recommends:
Here is an offsite link to Amazon.com if you’d like to find some books relating to office etiquette:
Business Etiquette For Dummies
Here is the Kindle edition of the same book: Business Etiquette For Dummies
Disclosure: As an affiliate of Amazon.com I will get paid on any purchase of this product from the links within this article.
