Business Etiquette Tips: Bringing Back Professionalism

How is your business etiquette? From the missing lunch in the fridge to the over use of speakerphone, we all have things that bother us about our colleagues, but a big part of retention is making sure that seemingly minimal every day interactions with people are pleasant, and it’s your job as an HR professional to make sure people are abiding by basic etiquette rules. Here are 5 things you may not be aware that you’re doing that bother your colleagues, and how to edit your behavior. Cube walls are thin You know those cubicle farms you’re working in? Well, the walls may reach half-way to the ceiling and you may not see your neighbor, but that doesn’t mean we can’t hear you. Sometimes, we get on personal calls or start gossiping with another colleague and we get caught up in the conversation. Before we know it, we’re talking to each other as if we’re alone in a sound proof booth. The things overheard often belong in a tabloid magazine! From elevator banks (yes, I can hear you talking even when the doors close) to cubicles to restrooms, keep in mind that the walls are thin. If you need a place to escape to for a personal call or you need to discuss a performance issue with a team member, make sure you find a spot that is private, out of view from others and is respectful to those you are meeting with or talking about. Take the lead. If you’re in a discussion that should to be relocated to a more secure, confidential spot, do it. Move the conversation or put it on hold until you have the appropriate setting. Don’t put yourself or others at risk by presenting information in a manner that may be misinterpreted or misleading. The number one cause for discord in the work place is a lack of communication. Seasons greetings The office is not your personal catwalk for showing off the latest season’s fashion “must haves.”  For example, boots are a great addition to most outfits. However, as business etiquette would suggest, don’t wear hiking boots to a board meeting and make sure that boots do not cover the knee (think thigh-highs). Also, stay away from wrapping so many scarves around your neck that you appear to be weighed down by balls of yarn. Maxi dresses, flip flops and beach wear aren’t usually the right choice. Let’s say you’re out on PTO but realize you forgot an important file at your desk. You run by the office (kids in tow, complete with swim suits and sunblock) with your cutest bikini top and wrap. You think, “Oh, no one will see me….I’m just running in for a few moments.” Before you know it, elevator doors open up and your CFO steps inside…oops! Always dress in a way that presents yourself and your company in the best way possible. After all, you are the most influential branding tool for your company. Additionally, your team members will treat you according to the way you present yourself at workplace. If you dress appropriately, not only will you feel more confident, but also show your co-workers that you appreciate them enough to look your best. Be your best you, by presenting the best you. The ear bud barrier I admit…I’ve been guilty of this. I sometimes wear headphones and crank out a few reports to some of my favorite beats. While I’m deep in thought and my feet are keeping time to the tunes, I start singing along and before I know it, I’m disturbing my cubicle neighbors. It’s quite embarrassing to have someone lean their head around the thin wall and tell you to turn it down. Red-hot embarrassing. Listening to music is great fun because it helps pass the time and makes spreadsheets a bit more tolerable…but, obviously, singing karaoke or a cappella is not going to make things more enjoyable for your colleagues. So be careful. One other note, wearing your ear buds all day may be considered rude by some of your office mates. You may appear to be standoffish or unapproachable. Be aware of your surroundings and make efforts to engage with your team, music or not. Instead of two ear buds in all day, how about one? Don’t be tardy We’re all busy. I get it. We all get it. But if you schedule a conference call and then find that you can’t make it on time, let everyone else know. Don’t allow them to sit and wait….and wait…listening to the hold music. Our time is valuable. Always be on time. If you can’t be punctual, make other arrangements. Have someone else fill in for you, reschedule or just re-prioritize. When we regularly show up late, cancel or make excuses for why we have to “push the call” to another time, we appear to be lacking respect for others. Stop the cycle. Take control of your calendar. Open the door… for real With so many organizations competing for the same talent in the same shallow talent pool, the thing that differentiates you from the others is your ability to engage and build relationships. This applies to those candidates you are trying to win over and those employees you’re trying to retain. To engage, your door needs to be open. Establish a culture of discussion, feedback and real interest in what the other is doing. We like to say, “my door is always open,” but often we are so busy that when someone stops by our door, we ask them to make an appointment and come back later. That doesn’t work. Sure, there are times that are not convenient for off-the-cuff chats, but you can solve that too. Try setting up regular “check-ins” with your team members or “office hours” where you set aside an hour or two each day when employees know they can stop by. Your solution won’t be perfect, but your ability to be open and engaging will go a long way to sustaining a culture that encourages collaboration and promotes retention.