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To most of us, the majority of this list which is by no means exhaustive, will be fairly obvious – but there always seems to be that one guy or girl (we won’t name any names) who didn’t seem to get the memo…
Don’t: check your phone
Don't, and I know this is a tough one for some of you, but don’t check your phone while you’re talking to someone or in a meeting, it gives the impression that you’re bored and uninterested. What’s more, the older generation, i.e. you management, will most likely think it’s downright rude – not a scenario you want to be in.
Don't: make a mess
Most offices have a kitchen area where you can keep your food, make coffee and sometimes eat. The problem with having these facilities is that they tend to get very dirty very quickly, and most staff end up saying “it’s not my job to clean it”. While may not be your job to clean up after everybody, do be sure to clean up after yourself. Throw away your old food in the fridge, wipe the microwave after using it and wash your dishes once you’ve finished eating. This way you might even set an example.
Do: be on time
Do take note of the time and always try your best to be punctual. Being on time shows that you value your time and the time of others. Consistently being late, on the other hand, reflects extremely poorly on your work ethic and shows a disregard for your managers and team.
Do: put your phone on silent
When working in an office there are usually lots of noises and commotion going on around us. It can be hard enough to hear what the person on the other side of the phone is saying without someone’s unattended cellphone ringtone belting out the latest Justin Bieber song. Do be sure to put your cellphone on silent (or vibrate) at work – you’ll still know when someone needs to get hold of you and you won’t irritate the daylights out of everyone around you, won’t that be nice?
Don't: speak too loudly
Speaking of noisy offices, another thing we should take note of is how loudly we speak. Sometimes we may not notice but our conversations can get quite loud, to the utter disdain of those around us who are actually trying to work, so we need to take care to keep it down.
Dont: use 'text speak'
Lastly, do be mindful of what you put in work emails. Never use “text speak” and don’t use the work email as a means for you to forward chain mail. Also, be aware that companies can retain work emails for years – do you really want what you’re about to type to be on record?
Staff Training presents Business Etiquette Training nationwide. Contact info@StaffTraining.co.za or (021) 839 3021 for more information
Don’t: check your phone
Don't, and I know this is a tough one for some of you, but don’t check your phone while you’re talking to someone or in a meeting, it gives the impression that you’re bored and uninterested. What’s more, the older generation, i.e. you management, will most likely think it’s downright rude – not a scenario you want to be in.
Don't: make a mess
Most offices have a kitchen area where you can keep your food, make coffee and sometimes eat. The problem with having these facilities is that they tend to get very dirty very quickly, and most staff end up saying “it’s not my job to clean it”. While may not be your job to clean up after everybody, do be sure to clean up after yourself. Throw away your old food in the fridge, wipe the microwave after using it and wash your dishes once you’ve finished eating. This way you might even set an example.
Do: be on time
Do take note of the time and always try your best to be punctual. Being on time shows that you value your time and the time of others. Consistently being late, on the other hand, reflects extremely poorly on your work ethic and shows a disregard for your managers and team.
Do: put your phone on silent
When working in an office there are usually lots of noises and commotion going on around us. It can be hard enough to hear what the person on the other side of the phone is saying without someone’s unattended cellphone ringtone belting out the latest Justin Bieber song. Do be sure to put your cellphone on silent (or vibrate) at work – you’ll still know when someone needs to get hold of you and you won’t irritate the daylights out of everyone around you, won’t that be nice?
Don't: speak too loudly
Speaking of noisy offices, another thing we should take note of is how loudly we speak. Sometimes we may not notice but our conversations can get quite loud, to the utter disdain of those around us who are actually trying to work, so we need to take care to keep it down.
Dont: use 'text speak'
Lastly, do be mindful of what you put in work emails. Never use “text speak” and don’t use the work email as a means for you to forward chain mail. Also, be aware that companies can retain work emails for years – do you really want what you’re about to type to be on record?
Staff Training presents Business Etiquette Training nationwide. Contact info@StaffTraining.co.za or (021) 839 3021 for more information
