Business etiquette refers to the requirements and expectations of social and

business behavior, practices and conduct that are prescribed by social

convention, and a code of ethical behavior among professionals. It basically
boils down to demonstrating good manners. As so-called common courtesy
becomes less common, manners and etiquette are essential components of
career success. It’s not just about rules and telling people what they can or
can’t do, it’s about ensuring that people are treated with respect.

Some basic business etiquette practices:

 Show appreciation to colleagues and

customers and send thank-you notes.
 Stand up and shake hands when you
meet/greet someone.
 Call someone by his or her name and if you
have forgotten ask the person to remind you.
Prepare to re-introduce yourself when
necessary.
 Use formal modes of address until told
otherwise. Formal means
Ms./Mr./Dr./Professor (last-name).
 Knock before you enter someone’s office and
ask if they have time to speak with you or if
another time could be arranged. (Don't ask if
they're busy. Everyone is busy. That's a
different question.)
 Give your full attention to someone who has
taken the time to seek you out in person.
Phone calls and electronic communication can
wait.
 Arrive to meetings on time, prepared and
ready to take notes. Stay engaged during the
meeting and do not be distracted by electronic
devices.
 Follow the dress code. Dress appropriately for
business and office functions.
 RSVP to events and meetings. That means
respond, by the deadline, as to whether you
will attend or not. Show up if you said you will,
 and don't show up if you didn't say you would.
"Maybe" is not an acceptable response.
 Be aware of dining etiquette so that you
conduct yourself appropriately during work-
related meals and social events.
 Treat everyone with respect and kindness.

Be aware that certain behaviors rise above simple good manners to the level
of ethical conduct. For example, it is rude to be late to an interview; it is
unethical to no-show for an interview.

General office etiquette tips

Most companies typically establish a standard work of conduct guideline for their
employees to follow. Because your professional etiquette is on constant display, it can
help your career advancement to enter a new job already practising professional
behaviours that meet or surpass a company's established guidelines. These general
office etiquette tips can help prepare you:

Punctuality matters

Arriving on time for work is crucial because it conveys the effectiveness of your time
management skills to your coworkers and supervisors. Certain companies have daily
morning meetings at the beginning of their workdays, meaning that punctuality can help
these meetings start on time. This etiquette reinforces your reliability and demonstrates
your respect toward your coworkers and work.

Unexpected circumstances may occur that cause you to be late for work. Such
instances are understandable as long they're an occasional occurrence and not a
recurring one. For example, suppose you use public transportation to go to work. If you
notice you're continuously arriving late, consider leaving your place of residence earlier
to compensate for any public transport delays. Supervisors typically appreciate an
employee that comes to work early.

Greet others politely

Consider politely greeting your coworkers or customers with a "good morning" or "good
afternoon" and a smile. Ensure you're making eye contact with people, calling them by
their name, and taking the initiative of introducing yourself to new coworkers. When you
present a friendly demeanour in your workplace, it can help others feel more
comfortable, which may encourage them to ask you for assistance or advice.

Keep the workplace clean

Offices and cubicles provide an opportunity for you to create a dedicated personal
space. Even though most companies are typically flexible about what their employees
place on display in their work areas, consider minimalism and cleanliness. Avoid
overcrowding your office and instead strive to keep personal items to a minimum, as
that can help your work area stay clean and neat. Consider how your coworkers and
supervisors may react to the possessions you display by ensuring these items are work-
appropriate.

It can also be helpful for your career, and work relationships extend this office etiquette
to your overall workplace, which means that it's vital to be mindful of how you use
communal areas. For example, most companies have a break room where employees
can store foods in the refrigerator, use dishware, and make tea and coffee. When you
use these amenities, ensure you clean after yourself and respect the possessions of
others.

Lunch and other break locations

Most businesses have a designated lunchroom or cafeteria for their employees to eat.
Consider going to these designated areas or outside restaurants or food courts during
your lunchtime and other breaks you may have. By leaving your office or cubicle, you
gain an opportunity to relax, which is beneficial for your mental state and motivation.
This can also help you refocus once you return to your workplace.

Dress appropriately

Dress codes can vary depending on the industry of your workplace, but it's customary to
strive for modesty and respect for what you wear. For example, even if your office
encourages employees to wear casual attire, selecting semi-casual, simple, and
comfortable clothing is appropriate. This dress code also includes other factors such as
perfume and general hygiene.

Most companies establish a dress code as part of their employee manual. You can refer
to this manual or consider contacting human resources for more information about a
company's acceptable work attire. It can also help to observe what your coworkers are
wearing for further clarification of your workplace's dress code standards.

Practice mindfulness

When you practice mindfulness in the workspace, you showcase your collaboration and
teamwork abilities. For example, you can hold the door for others and stay quiet when
moving through the office to avoid disturbing your coworkers. Sometimes your tasks
may be dependent on your team members completing their tasks first. Offer assistance
when possible and when the roles reverse, consider finishing your tasks accurately and
quickly so others can begin theirs.
Workplace etiquette for email communication
Email communication is an essential aspect of every work environment. As a result,
email presents a consistent opportunity for you to practice proper etiquette in the
workplace and showcase your level of professionalism. Here are four tips to help you
apply appropriate workplace etiquette when communicating by email:

Properly manage your inbox

It's common to receive numerous emails every day at work from various sources,
ranging from your immediate coworkers to other departments to clients. While you can
check your inbox regularly, consider establishing a segment of your workday to manage
your emails. Depending on your workload, this dedicated time for email correspondence
can be once or twice a day. By doing this, you can continue your tasks without
interruption, and it can help you focus more easily on how to write your replies.

Clear intent and format

A good example of workplace etiquette is how you communicate via email and the
format you use in your email. Ensure your subject line is short, clear, and concise.
Follow that with a polite greeting, an introduction of yourself, and the purpose of your
email. Consider including your openness to discuss or clarify matters further with your
recipient. End your email with a "thank you" or "best regards" and your name or
signature. You convey your respect, appreciation, and expertise to your coworkers and
clients by practising professional email etiquette.

Use professional language

When contacting clients or supervisors, writing concisely, professionally, and

respectfully demonstrates the importance and care you place in crafting emails. It
reflects a level of professionalism that can help you nurture significant work
relationships. Consider keeping this professional tone at all times to establish personal
consistency, but you may use a more casual style or vocabulary when contacting a
coworker you know well. It's usually more professional to avoid slang and emojis.

Proofread your emails

After drafting your email, it's vital to proofread its content before clicking send. This
action allows you to check your grammar, the tone of your email, ensure the spelling of
the recipient's name is correct, and that your intent is clear and easy to understand. If
possible, it can help to read your email aloud to gain a better understanding of how your
recipient may read it.

Professional etiquette for meetings

Most work environments require you to take part in meetings. While the type of
meetings varies depending on the industry, it's helpful to understand how to present
yourself within them to convey your opinions, gain knowledge, and advance your
career. Here are four workplace etiquette tips to improve your involvement during
meetings:

Silence mobile devices

It's essential to silence your mobile phone when attending meetings, whether with your
team or clients. You may either turn your phone off or ensure the ringer is off
completely. Doing so shows your respect to the attendees and encourages you to
commit to being present in the discussion.

Ask and listen

There may be occasions during meetings where you have additional questions or
comments about the topic. Consider asking for clarification and listening intently to the
responses to gain a better understanding. This action can open the debate even further,
encouraging others to participate or share their opinions, which may lead to improving
your team's overall work output.

Follow a dress code

When meeting with coworkers in the office, you can follow the dress code established in
your workplace, ranging from professional to semi-casual. But if you're meeting with
clients, it's vital to present yourself suitably for the occasion. When in doubt, match the
professionalism of your attire according to the client's business' standards, or consider
choosing an even more formal outfit