Bring Your Manners to Work Day 2019

The first Friday in September is Bring Your Manners to Work Day.

On average, in the U.S. people spend more time at the office than they do at home. Yet civility in the workplace is on the decline. Resulting in decreased morale and productivity.

Furthermore, studies show that consumer confidence in an organization decreases when buyers view public rudeness between employees. Thus reducing an organization’s bottom-line.

Most cases of rudeness are not malicious, just simply a lack of basic training and thoughtlessness.

Here are 22 office etiquette tips that will not only make your day more pleasant, but also bring a smile to a coworker’s face.

• Do say “Please”, “Thank You” and “Excuse Me.”
• Do smile and say “Hello” or “Good Morning” to co-workers.
• Do publicaly give compliments for a job well done or for creating an environment of civility.
• Do begin emails with the appropriate salutation. It doesn’t have to be formal.
  For example: “Hi Jane” or “Good Morning Jane”
• Do ask people if they have time to talk. Don’t assume that they are free.
• Do introduce yourself to new co-workers and offer to have lunch with them.
• Do remember your elevator etiquette:
  1. Don’t block the elevator door. If the elevator is full and someone behind you wants to exit, step off the elevator and let the person exit and then get back on.
  2. Don’t jump in front of others. Wait your turn in the queue before getting on.
  3. Only get on ahead of someone else if the person motions to you that you may precede him or her.

• Do speak with respect and avoid sarcasm.
• Do apologize quickly and publically if you offend someone in front of others.
• Don’t email or text during meetings.
• Don’t answer calls during meetings.
  1. If you must take a call, step outside of the room.
• Don’t engage in personal telephone calls at your desk. Do wait for lunchtime to handle personal matters.
• Don’t interrupt people when they are speaking. Do wait until the person has finished his or her remarks before you respond.
• Don’t criticize people in front of others. Do bring them to a private place for the discussion.
• Don’t arrive late for meetings.
• Don’t make people wait for you. If you are running late, let them know. If possible, give an estimated time of when you will be ready to meet with them.
• Don’t play music at your desk.
• Don’t eat foods with strong smells at your desk.
• Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink.
• Don’t “borrow” things from someone’s desk without permission.
• Don’t yell or use profanity.
• Don’t speak negatively about people to others. Even if it is in private or to a few “trusted” associates.

Remember-It’s just as easy to be nice as it is to be rude.