Office etiquette rules everyone should follow
December 19, 2014 10:15 AM
The New Year is right around the corner and losing weight or quitting smoking can sometimes be tough to achieve right off the bat, even with an office wellness program. So here are some simple workplace etiquette rules everyone should follow, courtesy of the online community. It's easy to turn any of these into a successful New Year's resolution - and create a better working environment in 2015.
Dont be a lunch thief.
If the food isn't yours, don't eat it. Simple as that.
Replenish the coffee pot if youre the one who empties it.
Respect the caffeine.
Respect the weekend.
Don't bombard colleagues at 4:55 on a Friday afternoon with a last-minute project.
Do your job.
If some extra time is needed to finish a project, come in early or stay a bit later. It's character-building, remember?
Keep the speakerphone to a minimum.
Close an office door, or keep the conversation as brief as possible in an open space.
If someone is nice enough to bring in treats, share the joy.
Don't take more than your fair share of snacks.
Dont be late if you can avoid it.
If you are going to be late, at least call ahead. That's the least you can do.
Theres a time and place for gossip.
Keep idle chat to a minimum, and avoid it at someone's desk. Hovering is also a no-no.
Use reply-all sparingly.
Bear in mind the recipients of your email; is it necessary to include absolutely everyone on every communication?
Exercise aroma awareness
Be aware of office smells: food, hygiene and and trash in or around your desk.
When giving feedback, do it in the appropriate arena.
Praise in public, criticize in private. If that's not the Golden Rule, it should be.
Keep it off social media.
Work drama should remain in the office. As entertaining as it might be to gossip.
