Good manners at work: does company etiquette exist?
What is company etiquette and why is it so important not only to be familiar with it, but to put it into practice on a daily basis? It is a kind of guide to good manners for use in professional contexts: a sort of rulebook, the main points of which we will explore and analyse below.
1 – Introductions and greetings
A fundamental aspect of professional etiquette involves introductions, which should always be made in a certain way so as to appear as competent and professional as possible. When someone enters the office, you should always rise to greet them: ideally, you should say your own full name while offering your hand. Of course it is advisable to avoid both excessively weak and overly firm handshakes, because the former indicates shyness while the latter gives an impression of self-centredness.
2 –Thankyou’s, dress codes and ‘bon ton’
While saying thank you at work should be done punctually and without exaggeration (otherwise it risks becoming meaningless), the dress code should be followed closely so as to avoid feeling out of place at lunches, meetings, or appointments etc. In addition, it is essential to take care to avoid using your mobile during meetings, because others present may interpret this a sign of indifference towards them.
3 – Profile photos, nick-names and emails
According to the rules of office etiquette, care with digital communications is also required: as for profiles on Social Networks and chat sites such as Skype, do not use photos or nick-names deemed inappropriate, as they could be viewed as unprofessional. Furthermore, when composing emails, avoid the use of emojis and over-familiar terms because this may lead to misunderstandings.
4 – Lunches and dinners
When invited to lunches and dinners, it is advisable to arrive on time, but if for some reason you are late it is advisable to send a message or make a call to inform your hosts. Do not move your chair and hold the doors open for those behind you on your way in. If you are the guest, do not order the most expensive dishes or wines, but try to follow the lead of the other person and do not drink too much to avoid making a bad impression. Generally speaking, whoever invited you will pay, but it is always advisable to offer to pay anyway.
So this is our list of good manners to be followed when at work: important rules set out by office etiquette which must not be broken.
Translated by Joanne Beckwith
