9 tips for good office etiquette

Be punctual and respectful of others' time

Punctuality is a cornerstone of professionalism. Arriving on time for meetings, deadlines and even the workday demonstrates respect for colleagues and their schedules. It shows value for their time and commitment to work. Being late disrupts workflows, throws off the rhythm of a well-planned day and can create a sense of resentment among colleagues forced to pick up the slack or wait to get started.

Chronic tardiness damages a person's reputation and makes them seem unreliable. If something unavoidable comes up that will result in lateness, communicate clearly and apologize in advance. This shows value for other people's time and helps maintain a sense of professionalism. Let colleagues know the reason for the delay and an estimated arrival time. If possible, offer to reschedule the meeting or complete the task remotely to minimize disruption.

Mind communication: Emails and meetings

Effective communication is vital in any office. When crafting emails, use a professional tone, proofread carefully and avoid sending messages when emotional. A well-written email with a clear subject line makes it easier for colleagues to understand and promptly respond.

In meetings, be an active listener, avoid interrupting and contribute meaningfully to discussions. Taking notes during meetings helps with focus, demonstrates attentiveness and allows for reference to essential points later.

Dress for the workplace

Dress codes vary by company, but always err on the side of professionalism. Looking put-together creates a positive impression. Indeed, a neat and clean appearance is universally appropriate, regardless of specific style guidelines.

If there's uncertainty about the dress code, observe colleagues or consult with the HR department. It's better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed in a professional setting.

Think about the desired message conveyed with attire. Sloppy or revealing clothing can be distracting or disrespectful in a work environment. On the other hand, dressing professionally can boost confidence and help people feel more prepared to tackle the day's challenges.

Maintain a clean and organized workspace

A workspace reflects on a person and impacts productivity in several ways. Keeping a desk organized with a clean desk policy minimizes clutter and allows employees to find what they need quickly, saving time and reducing stress. A clean and organized workspace, accomplished in just a few minutes each day, also conveys a sense of professionalism to any visitor.

A 2011 study performed by neuroscientists used functional magnetic resonance imaging and other physical measurements to show that decluttering homes and workplaces leads to sharper focus, better information processing and increased productivity.

It's also important to be mindful of shared spaces, such as breakrooms and kitchens. Thoughtful employees clean up and show courtesy to others using these areas.

Be mindful of the surroundings

While staying connected is important, balancing personal needs and professional courtesy is crucial. Avoid letting personal calls or the use of social media disrupt the workday. If a personal call must be taken, move to a private area and keep the conversation brief.

Be mindful of noise levels and avoid loud conversations or phone calls that could distract colleagues. Likewise, strong perfumes, scented lotions or loud music can bother others. Maintaining a professional demeanor includes knowing how actions and choices affect others nearby. This means avoiding disruptive noises and smells and being conscious of body language.

While open office environments encourage collaboration, they can lead to unintentional distractions. If focus is needed on a complex task, consider using noise-canceling headphones or briefly moving to a conference room.

Foster a considerate and collaborative work environment

Professional communication is another critical part of a respectful and productive workspace. Urgent messages belong on a designated platform, not a casual social channel within the communication system. Choose email for sensitive topics or detailed information to ensure clarity. Text messages or instant messaging platforms are best for quick updates or confirmations.

Avoid lengthy emails or messages by clearly articulating requests or information. When sending emails, consider if the information can be relayed succinctly in a message instead, reducing the burden on a colleague's inbox.

Also, it's important to respect colleagues' schedules by keeping meetings focused and avoiding unnecessary ones altogether. In addition, agendas help everyone prepare for meetings and stay on track.

Respect boundaries and refrain from after-work communication unless urgent. This allows colleagues to maintain a healthy work-life balance. To minimize distractions, utilize "Do Not Disturb" features during especially focused work periods.

Share spaces responsibly

Maintaining a shared space responsibly fosters a better workplace environment. Leaving messes is inconsiderate and can create a negative impression. Instead, dispose of personal waste properly, refrain from overfilling communal bins and organize personal belongings within a designated area. Again, cleanliness and tidiness contribute to everyone's pleasant work environment.

Be courteous to others by avoiding monopolizing shared resources such as printers or microwaves. Patience and a willingness to share create a smoother workflow. If a queue grows for a particular resource, offer to help colleagues find alternative solutions.

Always seek permission before borrowing an item and ensure its prompt return. Label personal items to avoid confusion and accidental borrowing.

Demonstrate effective teamwork

There are many ways to foster a supportive and positive work environment, including offering to help proactively. If a colleague is visibly struggling, offer assistance without intrusion. Phrase help in a way that empowers them, such as, "Is there anything I can do to support you on this?"

Reliability and accountability are valuable in the workplace. It's essential to meet deadlines and fulfill commitments. Don't disappoint colleagues by failing to complete tasks on shared projects, and keep them informed of any roadblocks that might impact project planning timelines.

Openness to feedback improves and clarifies work environments and professional relationships. Be receptive to constructive criticism and use it to enhance performance. This includes actively seeking input from colleagues and expressing appreciation for their insights.

Similarly, acknowledging everyone's contribution to successful projects boosts morale. Publicly praise colleagues for their achievements and celebrate team victories together. A simple thank you for a well-done job goes a long way.

Acknowledge differences

Recognizing diversity creates a more inclusive and productive work environment. This begins with respect for different work styles. For example, some colleagues are early risers, while others are more productive at night. It's essential to be flexible and understand different preferences. If possible, accommodate flexible work schedules or staggered meeting times to ensure everyone participates effectively.

With the rise of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies in organizations, promoting inclusivity has become a pivotal part of corporate cultures. Encourage everyone to participate in meetings and conversations and avoid forming groups that exclude others.

In the same realm of DEI, cultural sensitivity also significantly impacts the workplace and should be incorporated into office etiquette. Be aware of different communication styles and avoid making assumptions based on cultural background. Pay attention to nonverbal cues and tailor communication styles accordingly.

Organizations and their employees contribute to a considerate and collaborative work environment by adopting these practices. They foster better communication, strengthen teamwork and ultimately lead to a more positive and productive work experience for all.

Kaitlin Herbert is a content writer and former managing editor for the Learning Content team. She writes definitions and features.