Every company is different and have their own set of workplace rules. However, there are some workplace etiquette factors that are the same for every office work environment.
Whether you are working in finance or you are working in marketing, many offices operate the same way in how the employers expect employees to behave. For employers, creating a positive and stress-free workplace can help to create a better office environment for everyone.
Good professional conduct and good customer service are just some aspects of an office environment that are very important. If you’re an employer who are looking to improve their company environment this year, then here are some simple workplace etiquette rules that your business should follow:
Make sure that every employee turns up on time
One of the most important factors that you should enforce in your business is making sure that everyone turns up to work on time. It’s best to outline in employee guidelines a strict time-for-arrival rule and a policy to go with it. While being slightly late now and again isn’t too much of a problem – regular lateness shouldn’t go unchecked. It is poor etiquette for workers to arrive late because it causes productivity problems for the entire firm. When important business calls and meetings need to be had, it is no good if employees turn up late for them.
Enforce an office dress code to follow
While it might not be a crucial factor, it is important to ensure that all of your employees follow the office dress code that is set out. Businesses can have different dress codes from professional business attire to smart casual wear. If your company regularly has client meetings, then it is also best to establish a professional dress code for meeting and greeting clients.
Even though every business dress code is different, there are some items that shouldn’t be worn. T-shirts, flip-flops, or ripped jeans are just some items that are probably not appropriate for an office environment. As an employer, there are also many key pieces that you can wear to upgrade your personal style for your job position. A new jacket or a statement briefcase are just some key pieces that can help transform your plain office attire while still looking professional.
Promote great customer service
Another way that employers can help create a better work environment is to ensure that their team are delivering great customer service for clients. Whether employees are speaking person-to-person, over the phone, or through email, it is important that they deliver friendly and professional communication. Keep an eye on your team and ensure that everyone, even colleagues to each other in the office, are spoken to with respect and proper manners. As an employer it is crucial that you do not tolerate rude or offensive language. Making sure that you provide all employees with an appraisal at work can help to ensure that they are on the right track in their job role.
It is usually best to add these rules to your employee handbook so there are no misunderstandings of what is expected of employees. It is important that colleagues know what is expected of them and understand what is acceptable behaviour and what is not. Delivering great customer service is not only respectful to your external clients but also creates a positive view of your business.
Ensure that employees have good desk etiquette
One last factor to consider is how your employees act in the office. Whether you have a small office or a big one, sometimes the office can get quite crowded and busy. To ensure that there are no complaints from your office employees or your visiting clients, it’s important that the office environment is neat and tidy. To create a pleasant environment for everyone, desk etiquette rules can be created for keeping desk areas free from clutter, dirty tea mugs, and leftover food.
It is also useful to outline what is expected of employees while they are at their desks. Being too loud in the office or disrespecting others creates a negative work environment. Personal phone calls should also never be taken at the desk and should instead be taken outside or on a break.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
