In every corporate environment, there is a certain standard of behaviour that is considered appropriate across the board.
But there are a number of basic etiquette mistakes office workers are making that are impacting their personal brand, placing strain on their workplace relationships and jeopardising their careers.
Here, FEMAIL speaks to the founder of the Sydney School of Protocol, Julie Lamberg-Burnet about these mistakes and how to behave correctly in an office environment.
Here, FEMAIL speaks to the founder of the Sydney School of Protocol, Julie Lamberg-Burnet (pictured) about common office etiquette mistakes and how to behave correctly
PRESENT YOURSELF TO A UNIQUE ADVANTAGE
‘You can invest in the most elaborate and expensive office attire but no matter the cost, it is the way you hold yourself and the body language you exude that means the difference between a positive first impression and a poor one,’ Ms Lamberg-Burnet said.
‘Do you manage your image and presentation effectively to enhance your personal brand image?’
Ms Lamberg-Burnet said strongly suggests everyone refreshes their style regularly to prevent getting ‘stuck in a time warp’.
‘When was the last time you changed your hairstyle and color, skincare regime, exercise and diet plans, wardrobe fit and style, and importantly checked in with your dentist? These are the fundamental foundations for great style and a polished image,’ Ms Lamberg-Burnet said.
‘With your wardrobe, seek advice on what best suits your body shape. Believe it or not our bodies change depending on our lifestyle and as we mature,’ she said
‘With your wardrobe, seek advice on what best suits your body shape. Believe it or not our bodies change depending on our lifestyle and as we mature. How often do we see either poorly fitted garments or styles that simply do not flatter the wearer.
‘Fashion forward is fine if you can carry it off otherwise stay with the styles and cut that suit you.’
Ms Lamberg-Burnet said men and women should not ‘always rely on advice’ when purchasing in a store.
‘A second opinion is essential as well as knowing a good tailor to fine tune your purchases to a perfect fit,’ she said.
‘A second opinion is essential as well as knowing a good tailor to fine tune your purchases to a perfect the fit is the key to looking amazing,’ she said
‘Invest in the best you can afford, particularly for key pieces such as jackets, trousers, shoes, bags and accessories like watches, sunglasses and spectacles.
‘You do not have to spend outrageously but a few quality signature pieces will set you apart.
‘Introduce wardrobe pieces and colours to suit your lifestyle, be mindful of dress options for every occasion, remember it is preferable to dress stylishly on Casual Friday and always reflect a professional image that suits the business you work in.’
‘You can be social but you still need to be professional. Deal with obstacles in a gracious and thoughtful way to retain your presence and composure,’ Ms Lamberg-Burnet said
KEEP YOUR BEHAVIOUR POLISHED AND PROFESSIONAL
Ms Lamberg-Burnet said the key to building positive relationships and a credible personal brand is to be generally interested in other people.
‘Building a foundation of mutual support and loyalty creates a pleasant and enjoyable work environment.
‘In the office environment demonstrating good manners, courtesy and consideration are important. Such as, saying ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’ each day,’ Ms Lamberg-Burnet said.
‘The first impressions you exude when you walk into a work space, meeting room or open space, sets the mood around you. Smile, check in with your colleagues and focus the conversation on other people – it is not all about you.’
Ms Lamberg-Burnet said it is also important to help newcomers.
‘Always introduce new people and make a point of introducing them to others to create a warm welcome and introduction to the business,’ she said.
‘In the office environment demonstrating good manners, courtesy and consideration are important. Such as, saying ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’ each day,’ Ms Lamberg-Burnet said
DON’T BE KNOWN AS THE ‘MUNCHER’
According to Ms Lamberg-Burnet, poor eating habits are one of the biggest issues in the workplace – and those who do it are often unaware of the impact it has on those around them.
‘Think about those around you,’ she said.
‘No one enjoys lingering food smells in their work area so avoid heating or eating hot smelly food or last night’s left overs.
‘Do not be tempted to create a personal pantry around your work area, in common work spaces or in the office kitchen.
‘Be aware of eating styles and do not become known as the noisy eater who pops gum, slurps drinks or crunches apples, chips and nuts.’
Other frustrating habits shared by workers include scraping bowls, slurping soup, eating with an open mouth, talking with a full mouth and constantly eating at a desk.
‘Be aware of eating styles and do not become known as the noisy eater who pops gum, slurps drinks or crunches apples, chips and nuts,’ Ms Lamberg-Burnet said
REMEMBER ELEVATOR ETIQUETTE
‘Elevator etiquette is a good example of where we can demonstrate our thoughtfulness and consideration for others,’ Ms Lamberg-Burnet said.
‘The person nearest the door of the elevator enters first. Before you get on the elevator, stand back from the door so those who wish to exit may do so with ease.
‘Be considerate and hold the door open until others have entered. Be mindful of your voice level and use it as an opportunity to smile and interact.
‘Incidental interactions often lead to valuable connections.’
‘Elevator etiquette is a good example of where we can demonstrate our thoughtfulness and consideration for others,’ Ms Lamberg-Burnet said
THINK ABOUT YOUR TONE
‘Always answer the phone with confidence and a smile, as a smile can be heard,’ Ms Lamberg-Burnet said.
‘Avoid talking loudly including in either a public place, café, restaurant or in the lift – you never know who is listening or taking a picture.
‘In open spaces remember to use a quiet voice. With personal calls keep it discreet as co-workers do not necessarily wish to hear the details of either last night’s party or intimate private issues.’
BE CAUTIOUS OF VERBAL EXCHANGES AND LANGUAGE
‘You can be social but you still need to be professional. Deal with obstacles in a gracious and thoughtful way to retain your presence and composure,’ Ms Lamberg-Burnet said.
‘In some businesses, obscenity and profanity are permitted.
‘If foul language makes you uncomfortable, signal your distaste by never using these words yourself.
‘Others who welcome your attitude and even imitate your behavior may pleasantly surprise you.’
‘Always answer the phone with confidence and a smile, as a smile can be heard,’ Ms Lamberg-Burnet said
LEARN AND PRACTICE CORRECT EMAIL ETIQUETTE
‘As we face the daily inbox of emails there is often a temptation to respond without thinking,’ Ms Lamberg-Burnet said.
‘Respond within 24 hours even if only to acknowledge receipt of the email and remember that office emails are not private and can be read by your employer.
‘Make the subject line crystal clear as to what the email is about, write it as a letter, not as an SMS, don’t use abbreviations or Emoji images and if you make a mistake and send an email to the wrong individual or group, ring up and apologise.’