Behavior in the workplace is being scrutinized more and more, and measures are being put into place to make sure that no one figuratively steps on anyone’s foot while at work.

While the term ‘business etiquette’ may well refer to the how, when, where, what and why of dealing with business associates such as clients, customers, vendors and suppliers, ‘workplace behavior’ leaves no room for doubt – it is the observance of norms appropriate to where you work, be it, a warehouse or a multi-storey corporate office.

The practices and policies of office etiquette are nothing but common courtesy distilled, which has unfortunately eroded into a state of apathy, disregard and general complacence.

If you read between the lines of your company’s policy on workplace behavior, you will see that it is nothing more than being mutually considerate to the ‘social propriety’ needs of others. If you can digest this, then policies, manuals and memos regarding office behavior need not be confusing pieces of communication that give rise to discontent and mistrust.

Some common practices that are encouraged in offices are outlined below, along with logical justifications were required:

1. Don’t talk loudly. This one is fairly obvious to most people, but it may bear explaining that loud noises, including voices, distract people from their work, and can be misconstrued as rude behavior. Private conversations on the phone deserve special attention as this may be offensive to others, as well as a distraction. If you have a cubicle as big as Dilbert’s then a hushed whisper is the loudest volume you should use.

2. Use company resources wisely and with consideration. If you’re entitled to unlimited phone-calls or stationary or anything else, that means someone trusts that you will act responsibly. Taking office notepads home for your kids to doodle in, possibly will not equate to felony, but at the very least it deserves a confession on Sunday.

3. Don’t force your knowledge or opinions on others if they haven’t asked for it.
The worst kind of personal space infringement is pushing your skills on to someone who didn’t want it in the first place. If you can’t resist the urge to ‘help out’, first let them know that they may have missed something important and ask if they would mind if you gave a hand.

4. A management directive of ‘keeping communication lines open’ is nor a license to divulge confidential information about your clients or gossiping in the cafeteria. If you’re at all interested in growth prospects, learn to keep what you know to yourself unless it will help someone.

5. Personal hygiene is often neglected once you’re comfortable with the people around you. This is a big mistake. Don’t wait until you get a can of deodorant or a super-saver size box of Tic-Tacs at the office Christmas party to realize the truth. On the other side of the coin, be aware of ‘cosmetic overindulgence’. Strong perfumes and colognes may not be a good idea for work. However, on the bright side, any meeting you’re in will be brief and to the point.

There are several other little things that you can do to make your workplace a pleasure to be in. If you can remember that people have different tastes and dislikes, and you may be on the receiving end of some of them, your life will be easier, as will those of your colleagues.

Credit to: Ambro

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4. Resolving Workplace Personality Conflict: Resolution Strategies
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