Workplace Etiquette

As most of us are pursuing internships and job opportunities outside of university, it is important to be mindful of how we must conduct ourselves in the workplace. Here a few tips to keep in mind when entering a professional work environment:

• Do not be late to meetings. Whether virtual or in-person, punctuality matters. You do not want your ideas to be discredited because you are perceived as tardy.

• Remember names. The last thing you want is for you to stumble when you’re trying to place a person in the workplace, especially if it’s one of your team members.

• Keep emails strictly professional. Keep your work email id for work and nothing else. Likewise, reply to emails regularly and promptly.

• Keep your workspace neat and clean. A messy desk can give off a bad impression about you.

• Dress appropriately. In the workplace, how you present yourself matters. Be comfortable but be professional and follow the dress code, if applicable.

• Greet everyone. This can be in the form of a simple smile or a nod. Doing so can help you build a good rapport with your coworkers.

• Don’t interrupt anyone. People hate being interrupted mid-sentence, especially in the workplace. Wait for the other person to complete what they were saying before you butt in. That is not to say don’t speak up. Do so, but in due time.

• Try not to bring your personal life into the workplace. If you get an urgent phone call from home, for example, go outside and take it. Don’t disrupt the office because of a personal matter.

• Maintain good dining etiquette. Often, business meetings take place over a cup of coffee or a meal. In these situations, make sure to follow simple dining etiquette. For example, don’t chew with your mouth open. Plus, don’t go for an expensive option on the menu. Keep your phone out of sight at all times and offer to chip in for the bill if everyone else is doing so.

• Last but not least, remember to treat everyone with utmost respect. Be careful in what you say because you don’t want to offend anyone. Avoid making controversial statements.

• Moreover, if you make any sort of mistake, it is important to take full ownership instead of shifting the blame onto others.