Corporate Etiquette at the Workplace

Corporate etiquette refers to a set of rules an individual must follow while at work to maintain the decorum of the office and show respect towards the organisation. The code of conduct an individual needs to follow at work is quite different from the one followed at home, college and with friends.

Workplace Dos:

• Be respectful and courteous towards others irrespective of your liking or disliking them.

• Take a careful note of the company protocol involving the rules and regulations set for employees and try to abide by them.

• Speak in a soft voice so as to sound polite and pleasant. The tone and pitch too need to be complaisant to avoid any dispute. Whether talking to subordinates, colleagues or seniors, a humble polite voice displays humility and earns respect.

• Use of modal verbs like ‘could, would, may, might, and so on’, adds to your dignity.

• Dress up soberly and decently.

• Always remember that ‘punctuality is the soul of business’, and try to reach office on time. In case of a delay, it is good to call up and inform the office before hand, rather than landing up with an excuse.

• Regularity to work is a sign of sincerity, and shows your dedication to the organisation. To avail a leave on requirement, attempt to adhere to the leave policy of the organisation, and apply for permission in advance, rather than informing at the last moment.

• A generous attitude towards others to be ready to help is an appreciable quality. Offer your services if they are within your capacity and time frame.

• Respect the privacy of others by knocking at their cubicle or door before entering.

• It is good to keep mobile phones in silent mode to avoid causing disturbance to others.

• While talking on the phone, cover the mouth piece with your hand to prevent disturbance from loud conversations. If it’s a personal call, it is wise to walk out and talk in a lonely corner.

• Be attentive while attending meetings, seminars and conferences and carry a notepad and pen to note down the major points and instructions.

• Communicate through written modes of communication preferably through emails. Keep your reporting boss in the loop. Make sure your email signatures are correct. Attempt to respond ASAP, to avoid delay in functioning.

• Use a tissue or handkerchief to cover while coughing or sneezing.

• Always maintain a distance of 8 to 10 feet while communicating with others to respect one’s intimate space.

• Turn off the monitor before leaving your desk for a refreshment break. Prior to winding up for the day and leaving office, make sure that lights, fans and other devices in use by you are switched off.

To be continued.

Paramita Mishra holds a PhD in Environmental Biology, and has been associated with teaching Communicative English and Personality Development for nine years now. She can be contacted at mishra.paramita@gmail.com http://www.newindianexpress.com/education/edex/Corporate-Etiquette-at-the-Workplace/2015/03/23/article2721588.ece