12 etiquette rules for every worker

We may only consider our etiquette when we meet the Queen or spend time in particularly posh surroundings. But professional situations can often prove awkward if you are uncertain about how to act around others and what the rules really are, especially with now updated work culture where the line between personal and professional can often be blurred. Fear not, we have put together a list of things to be aware of and how you should act in certain situations if you want to be taken seriously in the world of business.

In the office 

– Consider your surroundings 
Think about how loud you’re being on the phone and if there is any need for it, if you’re interrupting someone’s concentration by constantly trying to talk to them and even how strong your aftershave is. You should also keep your desk clean and neat, especially if there are no dividers between desks.

– Put your phone away 
Not necessarily at your desk, but you really ought to put your phone away in meetings with others as it just looks rude to be answering messages and emails whilst discussing work. Others will soon take a disking towards you if they don’t feel like they have your attention and respect.

– Don’t moan online 
 If you’re moaning about work online, your colleagues are going to see and could very much get you in trouble with the boss. In fact, don’t do anything that could get you in trouble online. If you need to rant, meet up with friends after work and do so with them instead of damaging your professional reputation and scaring away potential clients.

At events

– Stand up and introduce yourself 
Events are all about networking, so if you’re not making any effort with others, you aren’t going to look very approachable at all. Get off your seat and when introducing yourself, say your full name. By doing so, people are more likely to remember you and you look much more professional.

– Who makes the first move…
…not like that! With handshakes of course. The general rule with handshakes is that the person with the higher-ranking position goes in for a handshake with others. If this just so happens to be you in a circle of people, make the first move and offer a handshake to those around you.

– Send separate thank you notes
If it was your business which hosted an event, make sure you thank people within a few days after and send separate ones to each person or company who came along. If you send out a general one to everyone who came, you don’t seem very grateful for everyone’s attendance, so put the effort in and message individuals, you will appear much more personal and appealing.

In hospitality

– If you are out for a business lunch or dinner with clients or work colleagues, do not pull out chairs for them. This is simply not a professional thing to do in a business setting as we are all capable of pulling out our own chairs. Save the chair pulling for when you’re charming those outside of work.

– Don’t order anything too expensive 
It’s never a good idea to go for the most expensive dish on the menu, or bottle of wine, even if the host says that they will pay for everything. You don’t want to take advantage of their status, so don’t push it with them. Also, stay clear of specials at a restaurant as they can often cost up to 40% more than regular items and you’ll look cheap if you have to ask how much something costs.

– The host should always pay
Chances are, the host has asked you and others to go for dinner and by doing so, they are already aware that they will be paying for everyone. If you are the host, bite the bullet and pay for those around you as it could work in your favour in the future. You should always say thank you though as manners don’t cost anything.

Whilst entertaining

– Entertaining guests and clients can be a great way to kick business off with them, but you also need to remember that this is not personal and it is professional. Therefore, watch your language and be careful what you say about the company and colleagues as it could put them off.

– You may love getting all dressed up, but before doing so whilst entertaining, consider what will be appropriate to wear around potential clients. Don’t go too swanky as this could put them off, but also don’t go too casual as you may lose your professional edge.

– Most importantly, watch your drink! You may love a good drink and ending the night in a karaoke bar, but this isn’t necessarily the best thing to do if you’re in a business setting. Enjoy yourself, but don’t go too far and it’s probably best not to drag them to the takeaway after a night in a bar.

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