It has been said that most Americans spend more awake hours at work than at home, and thereby more hours with colleagues than with family.  While it may be true that we spend more time with our colleagues and develop close relationships with them, we must never forget to have good etiquette while in the office. The first Friday of September, Bring Your Manners to Work Day, is set aside for us just to be reminded of some of the common courtesies we should be displaying while at work. Here is just a short list, but the overarching rule should be to be respectful and mindful of others. Don’t allow your smartphone to become an office wide distraction. Adjust your phone alerts accordingly to avoid distracting and annoying those around you, and turn off your gadgets in meetings.

1. Arrive on time. This means both to work and to meetings, and if lateness can’t be avoided let someone know.
2. Watch your language. Profanity can negatively impact morale and it is simply unprofessional.
3. Respect the breakroom. Clean up after yourself, messes in company break rooms are simply taboo! And do not steal your co-workers lunch from the fridge!
4. Dress appropriately. Be sure you adhere to your company’s dress code policy.
5. Have good personal hygiene, but don’t clip your nails or floss your teeth at your desk. (eew)
6. Respect others workspaces by keeping interruptions to a minimum and knocking first.
7. Accept responsibility – whether for the good or the bad.
8. Ask before borrowing anything and then promptly return it.
9. Ask before placing someone on speakerphone.

What other manners should we exhibit in the work place? Comment below and let us know!