New Office Etiquette
- When You’re New In the Office
Office etiquette and manners are crucial factors for a happy and successful working environment. I am sure that at least through out our careers we will be working for more than one company. The reasons may vary from moving to a better salary, career advancement, or sometimes pushing factors from the current employer.
It will be easy for you to adapt yourself to the new environment if you have prior experience and know the job. But for some new comers, they may not have a clue as to what is it like working in a new place.
The tips below will give you some insight of what to do when you’re in a new work environment:
1. First of all, you need information on how things work, on what everyone does, your responsibilities, or how things are done in your new place. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re not very clear or do not know where to get certain info related to your work.
2. Be nice to absolutely everyone, from the messenger to the CEO. By being genuinely kind to everyone, you greatly improve the atmosphere and the general office morale. I learned long ago that my best friends and supporters in any office are the lower and middle management staff.
3. Be ready to learn, be ready for rejection. Not everyone will be happy having you around. Some might think that you will be a threat to their current position or you will bypass them in terms of career advancement based on your experience and what you could offer. Be confident about your capabilities but at the same time remain modest and humble, even to those who seem uncomfortable with your existence.
4. Ask intelligent questions of intelligent people when they have time to talk to you. Don’t take up someone’s time when she is on a deadline, overloaded with work, etc.
5. Don’t get involved in office politics. You will hear different stories from different people who might actually try to pull you into their game. Focus that the reason you are applying for that job is to do the work, not to join the political club.
6. Once in a while ask your peers to lunch, one by one, so that you will get to know each one on a personal and relaxed basis. You could find out about the organization in another point of view from them too.
8. Don’t brag or show off about your past job and qualifications. People are immediately attracted to someone who is humble as they usually conclude that that person is more important than he actually is.
9. Most importantly of all, listen! What you hear around you is the best education of all. You learn a lot more about the company faster just by being a good listener. Don’t believe all that you hear, but use your own wise judgment.
If you're facing a staff that lacks etiquette awareness, dresses inappropriately, or just doesn't bother to respect anyone, send them for a makeover course with us, and see them transform to a more mannerly staff with the right image.