Top Musts On Work Place Dressing And Etiquettes

• Tweet
• Pin It

The office is one place where we all probably spend half of our lives and most of the waking hours. So the importance of making this time pleasant and enjoyable can not be undermined.

Though working hard,  working smart, being on time and knowing your work definitely counts as the first and foremost on any list of must have’s; but there are simple and subtle factors that really put a lasting impression by creating a positive and  powerful image of yours amongst your colleagues. What is going to follow are these simple rules that I have observed and learnt during my time in office that really help you get that image in your office and keeps you away from making the Faux Pas.

Personal Blabber

When you are amongst the office crowd most of the day, personal discussions are bound to take place. Its natural and very humane, however, no one really needs to know about your Mother-in-law’s tantrums, weekend drinking binge, financial issues or your fight with your girlfriend.

These are really intimate issues and must not be discussed with the office colleagues ever. One, it is giving a lot of unnecessary personal information and number two, its going to reflect pretty negatively. Your personal talks must be limited to more general topics like the new movie, restaurant or that party happening during the weekend.

Many a times, your personal information can be used against you in a very slight way. So refrain. The other way around also holds true, where some colleague is trying to share some personal details with you, just make an excuse and get away.

Of course there cases, where you think certain situation is going to take a toll on your work temporarily like going through pregnancy, divorce or some illness. In all these cases, it’s important that you share this piece of information with your supervisor as well as Human resources. It will only help them to be more understanding of your needs.

Dressing up

Usually this happens to many people whoa re new at the work place and worst of all, during interviews. Unless you are completely sure of the place, play safe and dress conservatively. I would recommend sticking to Trousers and Shirt. Avoid Skirts, low necklines, bling jewellery and dark Make up. Likewise, don’t wear that jeans and a tee, keep it for your picnic. In India, due to heat, Business suits are normally not a norm.

You can always carry a blazer, and look around the office and decide whether you would like to leave it out at the reception. Ones you are part of the office, it becomes easier to check the pulse of your colleagues and gauge as to what is acceptable and what is going to raise the brows. It is not necessary to change your way of dressing to suit the work place unless expressly asked to. You can tone your self  up or down a little as per the work place culture.

Socialize with your colleagues and subordinates

Make sure that you attend the office functions. This gives you an opportunity to get to know your colleagues beyond work.  At times, this knowing- each-other also helps in getting through with some office issues. After all people are more helpful to their acquaintances.

However, avoid alcohol during such parties, if you cannot handle your drinks. Even if you decide to drink, do not over do. As far as your subordinates are concerned, a regular dialogue is important. Monthly luncheons with them or just having your coffee breaks with them will give you an insight into their issues and life.

It’s natural for people to open up to you in a more informal setting than a formal one.  One golden rule you must follow is, never criticize them in the presence of others but always praise and acknowledge their accomplishments in front of others.

Telephone Etiquettes

With the mobile phones coming into our lives, well, most of us just cannot stop being connected. However, when it comes to office space, it would be better to just let this machine take rest for sometime. Just put it on silent mode. If at all, you cannot keep it silent then spare the office your flashy and loud ring tones.

Never leave your phone unattended. Make it a rule to use the landline for all official communication, if you happen to get an official call on your personal cell phone, then propose calling back from your office line. If the caller on the other side gets too aggressive, excuse yourself from the call instead of shouting right back.

Try to limit your private phone conversations and adjust them in your coffee and lunch breaks. Try to take them either in some empty cabin or the lobby outside office. During meetings one must either switch off or put your phone on silent mode. Better still, set it up with a return message that you will call back. Another thing, which irritates to no end, is people talking loudly.

So keep the tone low. If you have to attend a stretched call, better book a meeting room where you can take the call keeping it on loud speaker, talk clearly and not get disturbed by any other noise.

Unending Chain of mails

It has happened with most of us. One mail with a sarcastic tone and then a trail follows because no one is ready to give up on this piece. My advice, and this always works is, instead of giving a reply to this mail, walk across to the person and talk. It is easy to get intimidating on mail but a little more difficult in person at work place.

Also, if there is any message to be conveyed that can be very easily and clearly done while talking than on mail. However, when sometimes you need to document the lack of action or some mistake, do it in a very objective manner. Refrain from mentioning your feelings or a snide remark. Any show of anger on mail or sarcasm can also put you in trouble, as Human resources usually does not take these incidents very lightly.

So these were the most basic and simple ways of getting you through your day at office smoothly and create a foundation for your fruitful tenure. Keep these in mind, and you will not have to regret the most common mistakes, we all do at our work place!

Photo Credit: Sagennext.com