Keeping intentions clear and temper tantrums at bay are not the only appropriate office behaviors to practice. Whether it’s innocently adding the boss on social networks like Facebook, checking news online or eating at the desk, it’s important to keep the following unspoken restrictions and regulations in mind.
Be Considerate When Eating
When eating at the desk, try avoiding smelly foods and messy foods that require direct contact with fingers, especially if the office has clients constantly coming in and out. For a receptionist sitting in the front, there’s nothing worse than having to answer the phone or door with greasy fingers while the desk is topped with dirty napkins and oil-tainted documents. It makes a bad impression and makes the person look less professional.
It’s also good etiquette to keep pungent dishes at home. What smells good to one may not smell good to others. Instead of filling up the whole office with a bad whiff and wondering why co-workers are keeping a distance, it's best to just stick with the classic sandwich.
Control Facebook Privacy Settings
Employees don't need to blemish their image at work by letting the boss in on all the weekend party antics and moment-by-moment weekend status updates. Maintain a separate professional friend list by going to the ‘Friends’ tab and clicking on ‘Create a list’ on the left toolbar. It gives the option of restricting what the people on this list can or cannot see.
Be Wary of Web Browsing
Limit actions on the computer. The company will never tell the employee whether they are monitoring the computer with special software or not. But they have the ability to check how much time their employees have been spending on each site and what sites have been visited, so it’s best to stay focused on work and maintain productivity. Instead of being bored and browsing online, use the time to converse with co-workers and make face time.
Keep Relationships on the Down Low
Usually bosses and owners of a company do not like it when co-workers get chummy with each other. A probable reason for this disliking can stem from a fear that those under them might form a team and overturn the company or become less efficient in their work.
When socializing outside with those in the office, avoid getting buzzed or drunk to prevent appearing foolish, and pass up gossiping about a co-worker who is absent at the scene. Take note of the ones who do gossip about others because they are ones most likely to start rumors about any employee not around.
Dress for Success Instead of Wandering Eyes
Wear what is appropriate to work. For women, think twice about wearing that low-slung blouse. How a person consistently dresses determines how the person acts and what he/she communicates to the boss, co-workers and clients or customers. Is the outfit sloppy, flamboyant or too revealing? When dressed in business attire, one tends to act more professional, in phone manner as well.
A person trying his best at work does not only mean being productive but also being considerate to those around the office. And when a person is both, it will ultimately get him noticed and bring unexpected benefits in the long run.
Further Reading
- Workplace etiquette on the first week of work from Forbes.com
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