Office Etiquette (Office Manners)
办公礼仪
Office Etiquette or Office Manners is about conducting yourself respectfully and courteously in the office or workplace
First impressions are important! You are the ambassador/s of the business
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 apologise if your intrusion is a
n interruption of a discussion, someone’s concentration or other activity
Show respect for each others workspace. Knock before entering
Show appreciation for the slightest courtesies extended to you
Be helpful and co-operative with each other
Brush up on your computer skills so that you can help others
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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, apologise and go about correcting the mistakes
Apologise if you are clearly in the wrong. If in doubt, apologise anyway. It’s no big deal
Never blame someone else if it is your mistake
If your boss criticises your work, enquire about what precisely is wrong with it. Consider the comments, discuss them amiably if you disagree with the comments but defer to the bosses opinion if he/she is adamant
The boss always gets the benefit of the doubt. Don’t argue with the boss (however, there are standards of etiquette for employers too. See Employer Etiquette )
Make new employees feel welcome and comfortable around you. Don't be a busy-body
Office etiquette means being thoughtful when interacting with your peers
Keep your work area tidy. Try not to be messy
Show consideration for other people’s feelings
If there is conflict, do not get personal in your remarks
It is extremely rude to arrive late for a meeting
It is ruder still to not attend at all. Having a good excuse does not exonerate you
Do not dominate the meeting. All communication must take place through the chairperson
Do not interrupt another speaker
Pay attention to the proceedings quietly. Don’t shuffle your papers
Do not leave the meeting until it is closed by the chairperson
Never be petty or small minded in your behaviour
Always be particularly respectful to those older than yourself even if they are junior to you in position
Your elders are generally more mature in judgement and life’s experiences and this deserves your respect even in the workplace
Practice good manners and office etiquette at every opportunity; even in the toilet

‘Mute’ your cell phone in the office. No fancy ring tones