10 Rules of business etiquette for professionals

It may be essential these days to have basic awareness of corporate etiquette norms and unsaid behavioural rules while working in a professional setting. In this article, we will look at 10 rules of business etiquette that professionals can use in an office setup.

Employees these days might want more than just a paycheck from their jobs. They may also possibly be looking for a supportive, respectful, and friendly environment to work in. Companies with a positive culture are likely to be potentially more productive and have greater employee engagement and participation, resulting in employee happiness and satisfaction. According to a survey article by Builtin, 46% of job seekers state company culture as very important when choosing to apply for a company. The report also mentions that company culture is a driving force to change their jobs for 47% of respondents. While many businesses may be aiming to pay more attention to how their employees feel, adopting basic business etiquette may go a long way for both the company and the workforce.

What is business etiquette?

Even though business culture in recent times has possibly become more relaxed and lenient, it may still be necessary to practice common courtesy. An article by American Express states that social conventions for personal and professional behavior change with the times, but that doesn’t imply that basic etiquette isn’t important.

Below, we have listed 10 rules of business etiquette that employees can use to the best of their advantage.

1. Show up on time

According to an article by Indeed, being punctual for work is an important quality that many businesses look for in their employees. The article also states that being on time may make them seem professional, reduce stress, and provide a variety of other advantages. Employees are usually expected to show punctuality in situations like attending a meeting, arriving at the office, coming to official lunches etc. 

Arriving on time possibly indicates that you value the time of the host and other colleagues. In case of unforeseeable circumstances, if you anticipate that you cannot reach on time, you should inform your coworkers in advance and try to make sure you don’t often arrive late. 

2. Be considerate of others around you

Working in an office usually entails sharing space with other people. If you are working from the office, chances are that you share your bay, pantry, and washroom with your peers. It is advised to always be mindful of others in your surroundings by keeping a low pitch during conversations, putting things back in place after use, cleaning up after yourself etc. 

3. Try to refrain from gossiping about coworkers

There is a popular saying that goes, ‘Rumours are carried by haters, spread by fools, and accepted by idiots.’ Eavesdropping and gossiping may be considered impolite, and in case you hear a rumour about someone at work, it may be advisable to keep it to yourself and not pass it on. Office gossip between coworkers is considered unprofessional, may even be discouraged by your workplace, and often reduces the effectiveness of office partnerships.  

4. Avoid interrupting your peers

Refraining from interrupting team members is usually considered courteous and shows respect for your coworkers. Interrupting others when they are talking or working without an urgent reason could be considered discourteous and disrespectful towards coworkers. If you want to make a point or add to the discussion, try raising your hand instead or wait for your turn. Doing so may help you communicate your point of view to others respectfully whilst also maintaining the decorum of the workplace.

5. Follow the office dress code

Clothing could be seen as a form of nonverbal communication, and it may help develop a person’s professional reputation. Another article by Indeed states that dress codes reflect the culture of a company and having a well defined policy allows businesses to ensure employees are represented properly at meetings and in interactions with customers and clients. Your outfits should potentially convey a professional message. 

Before attending any meeting or event, try to check the dress code and ensure your outfit is appropriate and aligns with the theme. In case you are unsure about what to wear, don’t hesitate to reach out to your supervisor or the HR department for advice.

6. Limit the use of your mobile phone

Mobile phones have become a necessity these days, and they always accompany us wherever we go. They may also act as a distraction, not just for us but also for others around us. This is especially true during meetings and conferences, wherein being glued to your phone may suggest a lack of concentration and attention towards the speaker. Try to keep your mobile phone on silent unless necessary and keep the usage to a minimum when in a shared office space.

7. Check your emails regularly and reply on time

Digital communication is often equally as important as in-person contact, especially in the context of business etiquette. Try to proofread your emails before sending them. While doing that, you should also double-check the spelling of the recipient’s name, the people included in the mail trail, your salutation, email signature etc. Try to keep your emails polite, professional, and brief. You should also aim to reply to emails promptly, either on the same day or within 24 hours. Even if you cannot answer a question, it might be a good idea to let the person know that you have received the message and will react as soon as possible. 

8. Avoid eating at your desk

In order to keep your workstation tidy, it is advisable to keep eatables away from the desk. The odour from the food can also distract your coworkers. There are usually dedicated pantry areas where snacking and drinking are encouraged, so ideally, you should use those instead. Getting up from your seat to eat elsewhere can also give you a small break from your hectic schedule.

9. Try not to call unannounced

Working in teams means collaborating regularly and you could often find yourself in need of conversing with your peers on an urgent basis. In that case, try to always drop a message to your co-worker about your intention to connect with them or send them an email invite. Calling people outright without any notice may not be considered the best practice since people could have various things on their agenda and other commitments. 

10. Try to remember people’s names

Names are people’s identities. It is how they are addressed and recognised. Whenever you meet a new person in your team, try to remember their name. If you are not sure how to pronounce it, do not hesitate to ask. When you take an interest in knowing their name, they may feel more valued. To get the hang of their names, try to use their name multiple times in the initial few days. On the same note, while introducing yourself to others, you should mention your full name clearly as well.

What’s the key takeaway?

We have listed only some potential business etiquette rules based on our understanding. Of course, there can be many more of these which are not covered in the article. Business etiquette norms may also vary depending on geography and culture. The purpose of business etiquette is possibly to promote a cohesive corporate environment, establish mutual respect among team members, and improve workplace communication. Teams that communicate well are usually likely to achieve greater results.