Etiquette can be defined as a set of rules that govern a person's behavior in a particular setting or environment. Etiquette mainly includes proper manners, communication skills, respect and politeness.
WORKPLACE BEHAVIOR
- Use appropriate language
- Be punctual
- Appear as professional as possible
- Be cooperative
- Turn your cellphone off
- Be motivated
CORRESPONDENCE ETIQUETTE includes mainly e-mails and letters.
- Always include a subject line
- Write a salutation for each new subject email
- Be brief
- When replying emails, include the previous email after your reply
- Never use all CAPS
- Always check for punctuation spelling and grammatical errors
- Do not use your company email address to send personal emails
TELEPHONE ETIQUETTE
- Make sure your voicemail is set up and is working properly
- Try to return the phone calls within the day
- Whenever you leave a message, make sure to leave your contact information as well
- Use professional language and low tone
- Answer the phone using your name "Sarah Brown speaking"
- Avoid slang ("yes instead of "yeah", "Goodbye" instead of "bye bye")
SOCIAL MEDIA ETIQUETTE
- DO NOT post negative or confidential information on the internet
- Be aware of who you are associated with
- Make sure you don't post inappropriate pictures on social media
- Watch your language
- Put your napkin on your lap when you sit down
- Make small talk about things you may find in common with other coworkers/supervisors
- Use professional language
- When ordering, choose something in the middle of the price range
- Begin eating after EVERYONE has been served and seated
- Cut one piece of food at a time
- When you are finished eating, place your fork and knife on the side of your plate, facing downwards
- When dining as part of an interview, usually the interviewer pays, whereas when dining with co-workers, generally everyone pays their share
Ueda Elbasani & Nathalie Jean-Elie
