Publications
Partners
1. Refrain from gossiping
If you’re trying to make a good impression on your boss and co-workers and develop meaningful, trusting relationships with them, then steer clear of office gossip.
Getting caught up in petty gossip makes you look unprofessional and two-faced. Even if everyone is gossiping around you and it seems like you’re in good company, take the high road and walk away from gossipers or change the subject altogether.
2. Never, ever talk about salary
Salary is a taboo topic that shouldn’t be discussed with anyone but HR and your manager.
Even if you work for the most laid-back company, it’s never really appropriate to talk about or compare salary wages with your co-workers.
If you have questions or concerns about your salary, bring it to your boss and work it out in private.
3. Act professional at all times
It’s human nature to be more casual during Friday night drinks hour or after hour company functions.
Remain professional whenever representing your company. This even includes cyber professionalism.
Never, ever Facebook or tweet negative things about work or anyone from work if you want to keep your job.
4. Don't abuse your privileges
If you work at a place that does not require you to punch in your hours, provides free parking, or allows casual Fridays, then consider yourself lucky.
Many companies do not give their employees such perks because they’ve been abused one too many times.
Don’t ruin it for everyone by taking two-hour lunches or running personal errands every day during work.
5. Save social networking for home
There’s a time and a place to get on Facebook and tweet about your day, but it’s not at your work desk.
Sure, everyone needs a mental break here and there, but signing on to social networks may not be the best way to clear your mind and stay on track at work.
Even if your company does not restrict use of these sites, you shouldn’t abuse this privilege by signing on every hour or Facebook-ing when you should be working.
6. Mind your manners
Minding your manners at work goes beyond saying please and thank you, it also includes giving your undivided attention during meetings, answering e-mails promptly, showing appreciation to those who help you, and respecting others’ time.
Also, don’t forget to clean up after yourself and ask before taking things from work, including pens and other supplies that belongs to your company.
7. Come early, stay late
One of the quickest ways to earn respect and present yourself as a reliable, hardworking employee is to come early to work and stay late.
Punctuality is very important, but coming early to work shows even more that you care and it may earn you credit when it comes to getting sought after projects and perhaps being considered for a raise or promotion.
8. Look the part
Whether or not your workplace has enforced a dress code, you should always strive to look professional.
Pay attention to detail – a loose thread, laddered pantyhose, short tie, stained shirt – all say you don’t care about your appearance and personal brand.
Haydee Antezana from Professional Impressions will create a tailor made solution to solve you/your staff's corporate image, etiquette and personal brand challenges.
Visit www.profimpressions.co.za for more information. For the latest tips visit their Facebook page or follow them on Twitter @Profimpressions
Follow Women24 on Twitter and like us on Facebook
If you’re trying to make a good impression on your boss and co-workers and develop meaningful, trusting relationships with them, then steer clear of office gossip.
Getting caught up in petty gossip makes you look unprofessional and two-faced. Even if everyone is gossiping around you and it seems like you’re in good company, take the high road and walk away from gossipers or change the subject altogether.
2. Never, ever talk about salary
Salary is a taboo topic that shouldn’t be discussed with anyone but HR and your manager.
Even if you work for the most laid-back company, it’s never really appropriate to talk about or compare salary wages with your co-workers.
If you have questions or concerns about your salary, bring it to your boss and work it out in private.
3. Act professional at all times
It’s human nature to be more casual during Friday night drinks hour or after hour company functions.
Remain professional whenever representing your company. This even includes cyber professionalism.
Never, ever Facebook or tweet negative things about work or anyone from work if you want to keep your job.
4. Don't abuse your privileges
If you work at a place that does not require you to punch in your hours, provides free parking, or allows casual Fridays, then consider yourself lucky.
Many companies do not give their employees such perks because they’ve been abused one too many times.
Don’t ruin it for everyone by taking two-hour lunches or running personal errands every day during work.
5. Save social networking for home
There’s a time and a place to get on Facebook and tweet about your day, but it’s not at your work desk.
Sure, everyone needs a mental break here and there, but signing on to social networks may not be the best way to clear your mind and stay on track at work.
Even if your company does not restrict use of these sites, you shouldn’t abuse this privilege by signing on every hour or Facebook-ing when you should be working.
6. Mind your manners
Minding your manners at work goes beyond saying please and thank you, it also includes giving your undivided attention during meetings, answering e-mails promptly, showing appreciation to those who help you, and respecting others’ time.
Also, don’t forget to clean up after yourself and ask before taking things from work, including pens and other supplies that belongs to your company.
7. Come early, stay late
One of the quickest ways to earn respect and present yourself as a reliable, hardworking employee is to come early to work and stay late.
Punctuality is very important, but coming early to work shows even more that you care and it may earn you credit when it comes to getting sought after projects and perhaps being considered for a raise or promotion.
8. Look the part
Whether or not your workplace has enforced a dress code, you should always strive to look professional.
Pay attention to detail – a loose thread, laddered pantyhose, short tie, stained shirt – all say you don’t care about your appearance and personal brand.
Haydee Antezana from Professional Impressions will create a tailor made solution to solve you/your staff's corporate image, etiquette and personal brand challenges.
Visit www.profimpressions.co.za for more information. For the latest tips visit their Facebook page or follow them on Twitter @Profimpressions
Follow Women24 on Twitter and like us on Facebook
