Here are some office etiquettes that one can follow.
Being punctual is very important especially if you have an appointment. It shows that you respect the time of your colleagues and in turn it will compel them to respect your time too.
You must not be loud in the professional work environment, be it while you are on the phone or while talking to a colleague. If you have received a call on your mobile phone then it will be a good idea to walk down to the corridor to take the call.
This may sound strange but a lot of people who work in very small office spaces will be able to appreciate this piece of advice. Avoid using strong perfumes. You can end up suffocating the entire place with your perfume which is closed and the air conditioners usually do not work efficiently.
Most offices have a predefined dress code that has to be followed very strictly. However, if you do have the privilege of working at a place which does not define a dress code, then it is up to you to dress appropriately. Remember that office is not a party place and you will have to dress in a way that commands respect both from your colleagues and clients. The dress code has a strong influence in establishing the trust that your client places in your abilities in giving them their money’s worth.
Rrring Rrrrrrrring:- It's very distracting to have to constantly reply other people's phones if they haven't diverted them or activated their voicemail. It's just as irritating to listen to 20 seconds of "Crazy Frog" as the ringtone on someone’s mobile.
Respect colleagues having dined at their desk:- You're sitting there mutely eating a sandwich and perhaps reading a book or a newspaper, when someone decides to come up and ask work-related questions. Treat others on their lunch break as you’d like to be treated on yours.
Monitor your communication volume:- People always lean to converse louder than compulsory when on a mobile, so make sure you pipe down or go into the corridor. Talking to a friend from the telephone on your desk? No-one else wants to hear your conversation about how you discarded your boyfriend or what you're planning to wear when out tonight. Particularly your boss.
Be aware of others needing the printer:- "Printer manners" is an idiom used widely in South Australia. It refers to giving special treatment to workers printing only one page at a time, ahead of those using half an hour and half a forest to print out big documents.
Be aware about smells:- Limit strong perfume, excessive body odor, and very perfumed flowers -- all of which can offend others. Hot take-away food and instant soups can also be very unlikable, especially if you're twenty floors up and relying on air-conditioning rather than being able to open the windows.
Be neat in the kitchen:- Keep in mind when your mum would say, "Do you think this is a hotel?" Similarly, at work, no-one wants to have to clear up after your mess. Don't leave food on the counter or unclean dishes in the sink for extensive periods of time. And make sure the fridge now and again to confirm the cheese you bought last month has not sprouted a green disguise.
Keep your music to yourself not everyone at your office will be eager to hear your latest discovery, so remain the volume non-existent by wearing headphones.
Ask before borrowing:- Like Gareth in "The Office", some people are violently defensive of their office supplies. How many times have you been on a scavenger hunt to track down borrowed pens, staplers and scissors?
Be on time:- According to a report by the BBC, two-out-of-three people regularly turn up late for meetings. What message does it give to people if you're always late, cancel at short notice or chat with others while a meeting is going on? Showing respect and tact in the workplace will help you build creative relationships.
Always act with honesty and dignity
Chewing gum and popping bubble gum in the presence of co-workers is neither cool nor dignified
Never do it whilst attending customers
Wear appropriate office attire, for example correct footwear, not thongs (flip flops) - they are strictly casual or beachwear
No exposed midriff to display tattoos and body piercing.
Be neat, clean and as conservative as the business requires you to be
We are put off by smelly people. So, be sure to shower regularly and use a suitable deodorant
Do not cough or sneeze in anyone's direction. Use a tissue, if possible, to contain the germs and then say "Excuse me"
The essence of good manners and etiquette is to be respectful and courteous at all times and with everybody
Therefore, treat your co-workers, cleaners, maintenance people and others with respect and courtesy
Good office etiquette is easily achieved by using common courtesy as a matter of course
Keep your interruptions of others to a minimum and always apologies if your intrusion is an interruption of a discussion, someone’s concentration or other activity
Show respect for each other’s workspace. Knock before entering
Show appreciation for the slightest courtesies extended to you
Be helpful and co-operative with each other
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Speak clearly without shouting. Loud people are a vexation
Say, “Please; Thank you; You’re welcome”, as part of your everyday courtesy
Be discreet and compassionate in your criticism of a co-worker
Don’t gossip about any co-worker’s private life
Do not try to sell things to your colleagues
Don’t hover around while waiting for a co-worker to get off the phone. Leave a note for them to call you or return later
It’s not a good idea to take your iPod to your office. It hinders communication
Avoid sexist comments about a co-worker’s dress or appearance
Surveys show that the office know-it-all proved to be the biggest gripe amongst co-workers. Don't be a know-all
Take responsibility for your mistakes, apologies and go about correcting the mistakes
Apologies if you are clearly in the wrong. If in doubt, apologies anyway. It’s no big deal
Never blame someone else if it is your mistake