Ways to improve your office etiquette

Ways to improve your office etiquette
(and avoid being the annoying co-worker)

# Watch the volume of your voice

Keep your voice at a reasonable level. Other people are trying to work, and your voice may distract them.

# Don’t peep into your co-worker’s computer

No matter the urge to see what other people are up to, you must save yourself the embarrassment of being labelled the office’s peeping tom.

# Don’t join conversations uninvited – it’s called being a “Buttinsky”/ “Nosy Parker”

Because you're most likely in a cubicle or other open office area, you inevitably will overhear snippets of conversations other people are having. Whatever might be the urge, don’t impose upon them - it only annoys people when you simply stand next to them – uninvited and it also reflects poorly on you. When you are needed – people will ASK for you

# Admit mistakes; don’t lie or blame others

When you find yourself in a soup or in tough situations you will be inclined to lie or shift the blame of your wrong doing on someone else. If you do this, you are putting not only your reputation at stake but your job too. Always stick to the honesty policy and play fair.

# Be punctual for meetings

If you're an attendee, be on time. If you can't make a meeting or you're going to be late, let someone know. Don't arrive late and ask for a recap.
If you're the one who's running the meeting, start it on time and resume it on time after a break.

# Email etiquette 

Not every email is to be tagged as high priority. Uppercase, red fonts typically denote anger…