IN the workplace, no matter how good and efficient you are, it is imperative for you to observe office etiquette. Those who fail to observe this etiquette will find themselves landing on the unfavourable list of their colleagues.
Here are some unfavourable practices that would frustrate your colleagues. Learn about them so that you can avoid upsetting the balance in the office.
Interrupting work flow
Before you start any conversation with your colleagues, please do check if they are free. Do not just abruptly charge to their workstation and expect them to be ready to have a conversation or discussion with you.
It is rather rude and inconsiderate when you invade your colleagues’ space without their consent. Respect their space so that you can gain their respect as well.
Starting a discussion right away
Do not rush to your colleagues’ place to start a discussion with them when they have just
stepped into the office.
Give them time to settle down, drink a cup of coffee or check their email, planner or appointment book.
Setting important meetings in the late afternoon
The best time to conduct a meeting is usually early in the morning. This is the time when most individuals feel fresh and energetic.
In the late afternoon, most people usually feel lethargic and their minds would be too tired to think of ideas and solutions. Some individuals may even feel sleepy due to a heavy lunch.
As a result, late afternoon meetings are rarely productive as most people would be too exhausted to contribute much. Hence, unless it is absolutely necessary and urgent, avoid setting meetings late in the afternoon. It is better to have less taxing activities, such as the company’s social functions, in the afternoon.
Talking loudly in the office
Whether you are having a work-related discussion or conversation, do remember to keep your voice down. Not everyone needs to hear the contents of your discussion or conversation. Just keep it
audible for those involved so that you would not cause sound pollution in the workplace.
Carbon copy emails to your colleagues’ superior
When you email your colleagues, do not send copies of every single email to their superior. If you carbon copy every correspondence to your colleagues’ superior, it will give them the impression that you are indirectly using their superior to put pressure on them to get things done for you.
Most people would resent this kind of unspoken and unnecessary pressure.
Sending email to everyone
When you are handling an issue involving only a few individuals, do not forward the emails to everyone in the office. No one needs to know about things that do not concern them.
Every employee would have a lot of emails to clear and tons of work to do. Reading and clearing unnecessary emails can be tedious and time-consuming. It would greatly affect the efficiency and productivity of your colleagues.
Always complaining
You may have to work overtime frequently or you feel that your pay is too low. However, it is not advisable for you to keep complaining about these issues.
Your colleagues may feel sorry for you if you complain once. But if you lament about your situation every single day, it would only cause much annoyance.
If you are really unhappy about your work situation, highlight the issues to your superior in a positive manner instead of grumbling to your colleagues all the time. Spare your colleagues from your whining and groaning. Focus on building up your work experience and increasing your marketability. In this way, you will gain the respect of others.
Priscilla Hiu is a career guidance consultant of Gracia Management and a certified behavioural consultant of DISC Personality Profiling System, Institution of Motivation Living, USA and Extended DISC Personality Profiling System, Extended DISC Northgate.