How to Have Good Workplace Etiquette

Good workplace etiquette these days means more than putting on a happy face and treating your cube-mates cordially. While basic manners and niceties are important to creating a positive place to work, there are other points to consider when establishing good workplace etiquette.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Practice good hygiene. You might think this is understood, but nothing can send a person running in the opposite direction faster than an offensive coworker does. Bathe regularly and wear clean clothes. Likewise, curb that morning coffee breath by carrying a toothbrush, a small bottle of mouthwash or a pack of gum.
2. Show you value your coworker's opinions and suggestions by listening attentively not only with your ears, but with your whole body. Turn toward your coworker and meet her eyes directly. Repeat what she says to show her you understand. Offer her constructive criticism in a positive way, and be aware of your tone of voice.
3. Be a good cube-mate. If you share an office space, be aware of your coworkers by keeping phone calls brief and quiet. Likewise, don't conduct personal chitchat while your coworker is trying to work.
4. Respect personal space. Extend one arm in front of you to indicate the distance that should separate you and your coworker. If she is constantly backing away from you as you are speaking, that's a good indication that you are violating her personal space.
5. Extend your workplace etiquette beyond physical confrontations and show email "netiquette." Follow your company's policy concerning personal email usage, and be aware of how you word email messages, as their intent can often be misconstrued.