CHAPTER 13

Starting and Staying in Work


Workplace etiquette

Workplace etiquette means our manners and behaviour at work, and how we communicate with other people. Different workplaces have very different environments, and so it is important to make sure we know how to behave and conduct ourselves.

The best way to understand etiquette at your new workplace is to speak to your manager and your colleagues, and to observe the behaviour of other people.

Do…

  • Be polite – say please, thank you and sorry

  • Respect your colleagues and their opinions

  • Be on time

  • Ask before borrowing anything

  • Avoid confrontation – try not to give harsh criticism

  • Clean up after yourself, and keep your working area tidy

  • Introduce yourself with a handshake

  • Be respectful of personal space

  • Work hard

  • Only smoke in designated smoking areas

Don’t…

  • Talk about sensitive subjects such as politics, religion, or sex

  • Introduce yourself with a kiss or a hug

  • Be scared to ask about etiquette in a new workplace

Additional resources

Glossary

Induction
when someone is formally introduced into a new job or organisation. This can include introductions to colleagues, training, health and safety etc

Policies
the set of rules or principles which must be followed by employees within an organisation. For example, each company will have its own policy on holiday and maternity leave

Find out more