Q&A for How to Practice Office Etiquette

Try to be curious during your first few weeks at a new job. Ask questions if you have them and don't assume you know everything. At the same time, don't act like you know nothing at all. It's a delicate balance! It also helps to just kind of sit back and observe during your first few weeks. Figure out what the culture at your job is like. This will give you a better sense for how you can impress your coworkers and managers.

Focus your full attention on your coworkers when they're talking, whether one-on-one or in meetings. Take notes about what your coworkers are saying so you fully understand. Don't use your phone or computer while you're listening to someone, and don't try to multitask.

Try to keep an open mind and see things from their perspectives. Everyone is different, so be open to other peoples' personalities.

While frowning may indicate a certain level of serious thought going on, someone might get the wrong impression if you're frowning all the time. It's best to try to maintain a neutral expression if possible, and be pleasant when engaging with your coworkers.

Ask them if they are feeling okay, if they are contagious, if they've seen a doctor, or simply offer them a cough drop.

If you must write an email, keep it short and clear - no longer than two lines. Try something like "Please ask permission before getting drawings from the designers." However, consider talking to them first, which is much less intrusive. Everyone has to follow the rules.

You don't, but it can seem nice if you do. However, you don't have to give the secretary money -- you can buy your own gift for them.

Emailing should be conducted with full sentences and correct grammar. As for texting and IM-ing, anything goes.

Confirm the item being picked up, and the date/time on which it should be picked up. Also, mention which courier company you are using (if you are not picking it up yourself).

If you need to ask, you are probably getting too close to your co-workers. Keep an arm's length between you and other people at all times.

You really shouldn't. It's none of your business what they're doing in there or how long they're taking. If it's a single occupancy restroom, knock on the door so they know someone is waiting. If you feel like you must bring this up for some reason, it would be better to ask your superior to talk to them.

In an office, all those present are expected to behave politely, kindly and according to the rules of social interaction. You can't sing or whistle, you can't talk loudly on the phone, you can't eat smelly foods, etc. You also have to practice personal hygiene and respect the dress code. This is usually included in the employer's house rules, a sort of terms & conditions for working at this company. First, address your coworker directly, kindly and in private. If that fails, ask your employer to enforce the rules.

These things are usually covered by the company policy. The same rules that offer guidelines on which clothes to wear at work also cover how to behave at work. Whistling, singing, and talking loudly are all curbed by these guidelines of company policy. Try to avoid making rules that affect just her, but point out to her that she is not in line with these rules. Sure, she may be feeling happy and content, and it shows by singing a tune every now and then, but this behavior is not acceptable in a work setting. Finally, no matter what, the other employees are forbidden to be mean to her, and must suffer the consequences outlined in that same policy, such as a reprimand.

Always read your e-mails first. People will have put in effort to keep you in the loop by e-mail. You must respect this effort and read your messages first. Only then can you ask, "Thanks for your e-mails; I'm all caught up, unless there's something else changed recently?"

Sure, why not? Set up your automatic reply indefinitely, without mentioning where you are, why you're away, or when you'll return--it's no one's business. "Thank you, I'm out of office, I will reply when I get back. In the meantime, contact for assistance." That's all people need. Just remember to remove it once you are back.