18 Office Etiquette Tips for Manners at your Workplace

Currently, the COVID-19 pandemic has millions of people working from home. But as you’re working remotely, it’s important to remember these key tips and office etiquette standards for when we eventually return to the workplace. You don’t want to allow proper manners to slip your mind when making the transition back to work. So keep these 18 office manners in mind and be sure to practice the ones you are able to, so when you do return, you are still at the top of your professionalism game.

As an office employee, what is considered right and wrong can be subjective to your individual place of work. However, if you stick to some key universally accepted principles you’ll have no issues to fit into your office environment.

Without further ado grab a coffee, sit back, relax, and read UniKeep’s guide to business etiquette and workplace manners.

Minimize noise

Noise is the most detrimental disruption to concentration and productivity in the workplace. Communication is a necessity in the modern world, but remember to respect people around you.

• Keep music to yourself: always use headphones at your desk.
• Avoid personal calls: if it’s not important or essential, leave it until later.
• Avoid noisy gadgets: anything non-fundamental that produces noise should not enter the office.

Respond to messages, calls, and emails (in a timely manner)

Don’t take a long time to get back to your client or co-workers, it’s rude and gives off the impression that you don’t care.

• Set specific times during the day to check messages and emails. This minimizes distraction and optimizes productivity.
• Answer calls/messages right away.

Respect others

Always treat people the way you would like to be treated. This is key to creating a positive and thriving working environment.

Don’t interrupt people

To speak when the other person doesn’t is good office etiquette. To interrupt is rude and no office employee wants to develop a vulgar reputation, comments GentlemanZone.com.

Always be conscious of your body language

Positive body language is key to showing good manners in the office. Maintaining eye contact and tone during conversations is a sign of respect. Avoid crossing your arms and slouching.

Be polite to others in the office

This is simple office etiquette 101 – Always be polite to others in the workplace. Being polite will open more doors for you than being demanding and forceful.

Share hobbies

Bonding and having meaningful conversations with your work colleagues can be mutually beneficial for all parties. You could develop friendships and this will go a long way to further improve office culture and create a positive workplace environment.

Give credit where credit is due

An important piece of business etiquette advice is to give credit to colleagues and teammates when they succeed in projects or tasks.

Help new colleagues or interns fit in the office

As an office worker, always take responsibility to welcome new people into the office and help them settle in by introducing them to all aspects of the office such as culture, etiquette & values.

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It’s always good to help

Many people have a habit of taking on more work than they can handle. If you ever see a colleague struggling or asking for help, then always do your very best to help them out with their issue.

Smile a lot and develop a welcoming attitude

No one wants to be around a negative nancy all day, every day. It’s tiring and gives the impression you don’t want to be in the office. Smiling can improve your mood and instantaneously makes you look more approachable.

Don’t be late to work

Arriving to work late on a regular basis is unprofessional and could get you in trouble. Being on time is considered basic business etiquette for employees. If time is not your strength, use a productivity calendar to put your timeframe in shape.

Avoid leaving the office first all the time

Speeding out of the office will not sit well with your employer and colleagues. Is shows you don’t want to be there. By doing so, you demonstrate the opposite of office professionalism and workplace etiquette.

Maintain a neat and tidy desk

Clutter makes it difficult to find important pieces of information but it is also unprofessional, immature, and makes you look lazy. Simple time management and a tidy attitude lead to good etiquette and manners in the office.

Related: How to Organize Important Documents

Maintain good personal hygiene

Maintaining good hygiene is non-negotiable. If you wish to develop a reputation of being a top office employee, wear deodorant, maintain good oral hygiene, wash your hands regularly, and keep on top of your grooming routines. No one in the office wants to sit near a smelly and unclean individual. Don’t be the person everyone is trying to avoid.

Don’t overdo aftershave

Wearing aftershave is key to good hygiene, but avoid dousing yourself in endless amounts as it could have the opposite effect and may very well trigger people’s intolerances or allergies if they have any.

Keep office attire professional and clean

Maintaining a professional look is an important part of office dressing etiquette around the world. Even if your workplace is lenient with what you can and can not wear, always make an effort to look professional.

Keep your belongings safe and contained

The same way office design matters, your desk at your workplace does, too. Store all of your personal items out of sight to keep a tidy workplace and to keep your belongings safe. Try to avoid bringing too many things into your office.

When you are sick, stay home

It may tempt you to head into the office when you’re sick to show your dedication, however, it’s better if you don’t. Staying at home will stop the spread of illness through the workplace and prevent a reduction in productivity.

Remember your colleagues’ names

Make an effort and remember your colleagues’ names! This can go a long way in highlighting your respect for others and is considered good office etiquette.

Refrain from getting personal at work

Getting personal is a repulsive trait. Things can get heated at work from time to time but always do your best to keep a calm and professional head. If you are angry or frustrated, take a break and calm down.

Encourage healthy banter

It’s important to have a laugh and a joke with your co-workers where appropriate. Healthy banter in the workplace is key to building strong morale and a fun, positive, productive environment in the office.

You’ve reached the end of our 18 office etiquette tips for remaining professional in the workplace. Now you should know the most important things to be aware of if you want to develop a good reputation at the office. Being a professional, personable, and approachable as possible will open many doors and opportunities for you, so take these tips to heart! Thanks for reading.