SOCIAL GRACES:

GOOD MANNERS AND

RIGHT CONDUCT IN THE
WORKPLACE
WHAT IS OFFICE ETIQUETTE?
Office etiquette is the customary code of behavior that you’re
expected to observe in the workplace. The rules of etiquette define
what manners are appropriate and what conduct you should try to
avoid.
When you use good manners in the workplace, you create an
environment of respect. Coworkers are more likely to become
engaged and productive in an environment where colleagues are
polite, thoughtful and kind.

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 OFFER A POLITE
GREETING
Say “hello,” “good morning” or
“good afternoon, smile and make eye
contact when you see coworkers or
customers. Offer a handshake and
introduce yourself when you see
someone new. Greet known
coworkers by name, as this adds a
touch of personalization. Greeting
others in the workplace can help you
present a friendly demeanor that
makes colleagues and customers feel
more comfortable around you.

3
 MAKE
CONVERSATION
During your workday, you should have
plenty of opportunities for conversation with
coworkers and customers. Start conversations
with those you know from your office,
gathering thoughts and opinions on recent
happenings or company accomplishments.
You can start a conversation with strangers by
remarking on universal topics such as current
city events or the weather. Making
connections with new people can be valuable.
You may start a conversation with a new
potential client or network with professionals
who can help you advance your career.

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 BE MINDFUL OF
OTHERS
Stay mindful of those around you,
particularly as you’re moving around the
office. Check over your shoulder when you
pass through a door and hold it open if
someone is behind you. Hold the elevator
door for others if they’re walking toward
the elevator. If you need to complete tasks
for others to perform their duties, try to
finish them as quickly and accurately as
possible. Use “please” and “thank you”
when applicable in corresponding with
others. Practicing mindfulness while
working around others demonstrates your
teamwork and collaboration abilities.

5
SILENCE YOUR PHONE

Notifications from phones can be a

distraction, especially when working
around multiple colleagues or with
clients. Silence your cellphone in the
workplace so you don’t disturb others
with these sounds. If you’re expecting a
phone call, you can use the vibrate
notification setting. Keeping your
phone silent is especially important in
meetings, but your coworkers will
appreciate the effort if you’re in close
proximity to them.

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GIVE YOUR UNDIVIDED
ATTENTION

Give your full attention to others during

conversations. If you accidentally speak
over someone else, apologize for the
error. Leave your phone at your desk
when attending meetings and keep it
out of your hand during one-on-one
conversations. Offering your full
attention shows you’re interested in the
discussion and want to hear the
speaker’s opinions

7
KEEP THE WORKPLACE
CLEAN

The workplace is a shared environment

that everyone should contribute to
keeping clean. When you use a
common tool or item, make sure to put
it back in its designated area so others
can locate it. Wipe down any dirty
surface areas, such as tables and
counters, to maintain and clean,
organized workplace. A clean
workplace can increase motivation and
productivity within teams.

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ARRIVE ON TIME

Timeliness is an essential part of

workplace etiquette. Show you respect
and value others’ time and priorities by
arriving promptly for meetings,
completing tasks before deadlines and
arriving to work a few minutes before
you’re scheduled. When scheduling
meetings, try planning them so there’s a
built-in period of time at the end that
will allow attendees to get to their next
engagement promptly.

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EAT IN THE BREAK
ROOM OR OUTSIDE THE
WORKPLACE
Eating at your desk can cause
distracting aromas for your coworkers.
Try to eat your lunch in designated
locations, such as a break room or
cafeteria. When possible, eating your
lunch outside the workplace is often an
ideal choice. Aside from limiting
distractions for your team members,
eating your lunch away from your desk
or workspace can help you refocus
when you return to work.

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DRESS APPROPRIATELY
• Modest attire is typically the best choice in the
workplace. Even in a casual environment, it’s best
to select simple and comfortable clothing. Jewelry
that jingles or a strong perfume may distract
coworkers from their duties. Review your
employee handbook or contact a human resources
representative for more information about your
company’s dress code if you’re unsure of
acceptable attire.
• If you’re meeting with a client, try to dress for the
occasion by wearing business casual or
professional clothing. You may also choose to
wear attire according to their business’s standards.
For example, if your client works for a financial
firm, you should probably dress in business
professional clothing.
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MEET IN DESIGNATED
SPACES

If you’re meeting with two or more

people, schedule a meeting room or use
a private office for your discussion.
Hosting meetings in your workspace
may create noise that could distract
your team members. Close the door
during your meetings to reduce sounds.
Use low voices for meetings and one-
on-one office conversations so those
around you can still focus easily.

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CONSIDER YOUR BODY
LANGUAGE
our body language can send different
messages during conversations. To ensure
your body language sends the same
message as your words, practice
good nonverbal communication. When
speaking with others, make eye contact and
nod when applicable to show you’re paying
attention. Smiling can show your
enthusiasm for the topic. Keep your arms at
your sides for a neutral pose, or put your
hands on your hips to demonstrate
confidence. When sitting or standing,
ensure your back is straight and your
shoulders are back to show you are alert.

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THANK YOU!
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