Workplace Etiquette
Professionalism in the workplace includes your behavior, attitude, and communication, which help create a positive impression, foster good relationships, and build a lasting reputation. Proper workplace etiquette, which revolves around respect and consideration for others, is crucial for career success.
Learn the Workplace Culture
Starting a new job means adapting to a company’s work culture, and it’s important to get familiar with the norms right from the start. This includes things like what to wear and how to communicate in the office. If there isn’t a specific dress code, take a look at what what your coworkers are wearing and aim to dress similarly—always keeping it neat and professional. When it comes to communication, be mindful of your language, avoiding any inappropriate words, and make sure to respect the chain of command when emailing or messaging colleagues.
Be Reliable
To show you're reliable at work, listen closely, take notes, ask questions, and use positive body language to show you’re interested and care about what’s being discussed. Keeping your commitments is also key—being on time and meeting deadlines is essential for showing you’re accountable. Punctuality also demonstrates respect for your responsibilities and your coworkers' time. Make sure to complete your tasks, accept feedback with a positive attitude, and own your actions. This will prove that you’re a dependable team player who can be trusted to get the job done right.
Be a Strong Team Member
Office politics are a reality in most workplaces. The good news is that you can navigate it in a positive way by:
Finding common ground with your colleagues
Avoiding actions that make others look bad
Being aware of your role within the company hierarchy
Focusing on the company’s success over personal gains
Positive office politics are all about lifting each other up and working together. Things can get negative when coworkers start competing against each other. To help keep the work environment positive, steer clear of any negative gossip.