Tag: Office Etiquette

Valentine’s Day in the Office: Why it’s an important holiday to appreciate

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Celebrating Valentine’s Day in the office may not seem like a good idea to most people. Supposedly the day is for sweethearts which keeps most people from feeling it is a little too mushy for the office. The fact of the matter is that Valentine’s Day did not start out as a lover’s holiday, but rather as a feast day in many Christian religions. It is commonly held that in many European communities that Valentine’s Day is a celebration to the coming of spring. School children make decorations and exchange Valentine’s cards as a sign of friendship and esteem. In the US about 190 million cards are sent each year.

Valentine’s Day does not have to mean love, it can be simply a day to celebrate people we care about. Most of us spent 1/3 of our week at work. I say it is important to celebrate Valentine ’s Day in the office with some simple signs of caring to show the people we spend so much time with that we think they are special. Here are a few simple dos and don’ts for appreciating coworkers on Valentine ’s Day.

DO
• Bring in a special treat, such as donuts or cookies. A little sweetness in will bring a smile to everyone’s face, with the added benefit of making the team just a little more productive.
• Wish your coworkers a happy Valentine’s Day with a smile or a card.

DON’T
• Make suggestive remarks, that is never appropriate.
• Buy anyone an expensive gift, which may make them feel uncomfortable.
• Initiate any physical contact. Shaking hands or friendly hugs are okay but should be initiated by your coworker. Some people do not feel comfortable with physical contact and that should be their decision.
Valentine’s Day can be a great team builder in the office if it is done with an appropriate amount of decorations and lighthearted wishes. Keep in mind that celebrating in an office should always be achieved without making anyone uncomfortable but rather feel a sense of happiness to carry them through this special day.

How To Get Along With New Co-Workers

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We’ve all experienced those “first day” jitters when starting a new job. You’re the newbie and you want to start off on the right foot; so what to do and not to do:

Don’t :

  • Stare at your new coworkers trying to determine ages and who’s single or married!
  • Take the last cup of coffee without making a fresh pot!
  • Take the last custard donut…actually don’t take ANY unless they were offered to you!
  • Ask the girl with the gorgeous red hair what brand of dye she uses!?
  • Congratulate your slightly overweight neighbor on her forthcoming child!

Okay we could go on and on with the Don’ts but if you seriously want to get along with your new coworkers, just follow a few simple rules.

  • Be sure to listen and learn and ask questions when you don’t understand.
  • Be Honest and Productive
  • Offer to help out others when your own tasks are completed.
  • Be kind.
  • Be punctual as well as considerate of other’s time.

In essence, if you follow basic good work ethics, act like a human being, and bake some dynamite chocolate chip cookies; you won’t have any problem getting along with new co-workers!

Office Etiquette Rules That Should Be Followed In Every Workplace

Most office settings today have cubicles instead of the open concept or individual offices of years ago. The cubicle culture adds a unique dimension to the concept of etiquette in office culture today. Although, the walls do not reach the ceiling and there are no doors there is no reason to assume that you can invade a person’s individual work area. Many people become very sensitive when you enter their space without asking their permission. By the same token, if you are in a cubicle you cannot have an expectation of complete privacy. Whether in a private office, a cubicle or an open concept office, these office etiquette rules should be followed in every workplace.

Be punctual-coming to work late or returning from lunch late will have an impact on your co-workers.      They may be picking up the slack for your tardiness.

Dress appropriate-wearing revealing, dirty, ripped or smelly clothing gives the impression that you have neither pride in yourself, nor pride in your job. Your co-workers will certainly see you in a less than appealing light and therefore believe that your work is subpar also.

Perfume-should be light and inoffensive. The person in the next cubicle could be allergic to strong scents or have asthma which will affect their breathing. That is not to say you shouldn’t wear perfume, but that you should be aware that if the scent is strong you should wear less.

Noise-Talking over the walls of a cubicle should be done quietly. Other people in nearby cubicles may not be taking part in your conversation, but they surely hear you. You should keep in mind that making loud noises or talking loudly can be very distracting when you are working.

Impromptu Meetings- should be held in meeting rooms and not gathered around a cubicle. Not only is that distracting to other workers, but you may be overheard talking about matters that do not include other employees.

Computer Reading-just because you can see over the cubicle walls doesn’t mean that you should be reading what is on your neighbor’s computer. They may be working on something sensitive so make it a point to look away from their computer screen.

Borrowing – should not be done without the permission of the owner. When a person has a stapler on their desk it is not public property. It is always proper to ask permission before borrowing anything from another employee.

Private Space– your cubicle may be your space at work but you should remember that you are in an office. It is offensive to others if your space is messy and crowded with personal belongings. There are occasions when coworkers have to visit your cubicle or have occasion to pass it. Remember this is not a room in your home but part of a larger office. As such it should be kept neat and professional.

There are no hard and fast rules to etiquette, but a general rule is if it is annoying or offensive to you then you can rest assured someone else will feel the same way. Being part of an office your cubicle or work space should be a comfortable space that is conducive to doing your job well. If you just follow a few simple rules of etiquette your coworkers will appreciate your effort.