Common Workplace Etiquette You Should Already Be Practicing

Your office may be your second home, but it’s also the second home to your many coworkers and associates. 

Spending eight hours a day or more with a group of people is tough, but it’s even tougher when some don’t follow common workplace etiquette. 

Why is Etiquette Important in the Workplace?

Workplace etiquette is key to having good workplace relationships. It will help you fit in in the office and make your time there more pleasant. 

If you’ve been wondering, “What are the unspoken rules in the workplace?”, here are our eight top workplace etiquette tips that you might already be practicing. 

1. Keep Personal Calls Private 

When taking a phone call at your desk, unless it’s very brief, it’s polite to leave your desk and step into the hall or somewhere quiet. 

Your coworkers might not want to hear your weekend plans or where you are going to dinner tonight. Personal calls can be distracting and loud for those around you. The same thing goes for business calls as well. Some people find it hard to focus at work in a busy environment, and that’s okay!

You don’t have to be completely silent at your desk, but you should be aware of how much noise simple actions produce. After all, that’s some solid workplace etiquette. 

2. Leave Fragrances at Home 

Some people have sensitivities to some smells. Some people are even allergic. It's best to use some good old soap and leave the sweet-smelling stuff for when you're on your own time.

The same can be said about candles or what you bring for lunch when eating at your desk. Be mindful that others might not like it. It's best to check with them first.

3. Not Everyone Likes The Same Music

When listening to music with headphones at work, check to make sure you aren’t blasting it as loud as it can go. 

Even in your ear, headphones can produce a lot of sound that even people a few desks over can hear. If you work in a much more secluded section of your office, this won’t be a problem, just be mindful of your surroundings.

Try to keep your music low enough that people can still approach you. You don't want your boss elevating their voice at you, thinking that you're ignoring them. If you are always closed off in your own little world, people may form an opinion of you that you aren’t friendly or approachable, which is probably not true.

4. Don’t Come to Work Sick

In today's modern, health-conscious workplace it’s almost preferred that you stay home if you are sick. Most bosses are understanding and can offer a work-from-home option during that time. 

Even if you can’t work from home, it pays off in the end to take those days off and come back when you’re ready. 

A boss would rather have one sick employee than the entire office out for the week. So, work from home if you’re still up for it, or punch that PTO day. It's the right call in the end.

5. Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself (Over Email) 

There is no worse feeling when you hit "reply all" on an email that was supposed to go to one person. All of a sudden, you realize there could be repercussions depending on who reads it. 

There have been plenty of instances when an inappropriate conversation was being had or sensitive information was being discussed when this happened.

Mistakes like this reflect poorly on your character, embarrass you or someone else, put information at risk, and could lead to irreversible consequences.

At the end of the day, double-check your emails, watch who’s on the thread, look out for spelling and grammar mistakes, and think about your messaging. You’ll be thankful you did.

6. Take Care of Your Stress Outside of the Workplace 

Healthy ways to cope with stress are key to keeping your cool at the office. The best thing you can do is look for highly impactful ways to rest and rejuvenate, like visiting a Westgate resort with a spa.

Whether your stress comes from work or outside sources, give yourself opportunities to unwind and release pent-up frustration. When you do go back into the office, you’ll feel 10 times calmer and more capable of handling anything work throws your way.

You may decide to take a staycation during a weekend off or incorporate fitness into your daily routine. Simple practices like journaling, yoga, meditation, and crafting can have a major influence on how you feel throughout the week.

Sometimes, though, you need a bit more TLC to truly relax. In that case, why not book a massage, take a dip in a hot tub, or let yourself indulge in some personalized spa treatments?

7. Network With People Outside of Your Department 

It pays to be polite! Getting to know other people in your company is not only good manners, but it can also help you expand your career options.

Don’t hesitate to introduce yourself to new faces, even if you aren’t part of the same team. A simple “hello” in the elevator can lead to incredible things! You never know who you'll meet and what career your journey in life can take. 

Networking with people outside of your department opens up a lot of doors for you and might lead you to a new role you never knew existed.

Why not check out our available roles at Westgate?

8. Practice Good Communication Skills 

When someone speaks, make sure you give them your full attention. Offering respect to others usually has a domino effect. 

When people speak to you, avoid distractions. Turn toward them, make eye contact, and smile. You can also repeat what you’ve heard back to them before responding. This helps prevent misunderstandings.

Simple strategies like these can help foster greater teamwork and positive relations. Workplace etiquette can take time to master, but even a small effort can make a big impact.

Now You Know All About Workplace Etiquette, it’s Time to Apply for a Career With Westgate

Take time in your day to think about how you present yourself at work and how your habits may affect others, it costs nothing to be considerate and people will like to work with you. 

Browse our open positions for careers where you’ll love what you do, who you do it with, and who you do it for!