Office Etiquette Fundamentals: Office Etiquette Do’s and Don’ts
Essential guidelines for professional behavior and positive workplace interactions
🏢 Select Office Etiquette Category
Communication Etiquette
Professional communication standards for all workplace interactions
✅ DO: Use Professional Language
Speak clearly, use appropriate vocabulary, and maintain a professional tone in all communications, whether verbal or written.
❌ DON’T: Interrupt Others
Let colleagues finish their thoughts before responding. Interrupting shows disrespect and can derail productive conversations.
✅ DO: Practice Active Listening
Give your full attention when others speak, ask clarifying questions, and summarize key points to show understanding.
❌ DON’T: Use Loud or Aggressive Tones
Maintain appropriate volume and avoid aggressive or confrontational communication styles that can create workplace tension.
✅ DO: Give Constructive Feedback
Provide feedback that is specific, actionable, and focused on behavior rather than personality. Frame suggestions positively.
❌ DON’T: Gossip or Share Confidential Information
Avoid spreading rumors, discussing personal information about colleagues, or sharing confidential business information.
Workspace Etiquette
Maintaining a professional and respectful shared work environment
✅ DO: Keep Your Workspace Clean
Maintain an organized, clutter-free desk and clean up after yourself in shared spaces like kitchens and conference rooms.
❌ DON’T: Create Excessive Noise
Avoid loud phone conversations, music without headphones, or noisy activities that distract colleagues from their work.
✅ DO: Respect Personal Space
Knock before entering offices, respect cubicle boundaries, and ask permission before using someone else’s desk or supplies.
❌ DON’T: Eat Strong-Smelling Foods at Your Desk
Avoid foods with strong odors that might bother colleagues, especially in open office environments or shared spaces.
✅ DO: Share Common Resources Responsibly
Refill printers, restock supplies, and maintain shared equipment. Replace or report items that are broken or empty.
❌ DON’T: Look at Others’ Computer Screens
Respect privacy by not reading emails, documents, or personal information visible on colleagues’ screens or desks.
Meeting Etiquette
Professional behavior that makes meetings productive and respectful for everyone
✅ DO: Arrive on Time and Prepared
Be punctual, bring necessary materials, and review the agenda beforehand. Come ready to contribute meaningfully to discussions.
❌ DON’T: Use Personal Devices During Meetings
Put phones on silent and avoid checking messages, social media, or working on unrelated tasks during the meeting.
✅ DO: Stay Focused and Contribute
Participate actively, ask relevant questions, and offer constructive input. Help keep discussions on track and productive.
❌ DON’T: Dominate the Conversation
Share speaking time equitably, listen to others’ perspectives, and avoid monopolizing the discussion with lengthy monologues.
✅ DO: Take Notes and Follow Up
Document important points, action items, and decisions. Follow through on commitments made during the meeting.
❌ DON’T: Leave Early Without Notice
Stay for the entire meeting unless you have a legitimate emergency. If you must leave early, inform the organizer beforehand.
Technology Etiquette
Professional and considerate use of technology in the workplace
✅ DO: Write Professional Emails
Use clear subject lines, proper greetings, concise content, and professional signatures. Proofread before sending.
❌ DON’T: Take Personal Calls in Open Areas
Use private spaces for personal phone calls and keep work-related calls brief and professional in shared areas.
✅ DO: Maintain Digital Privacy and Security
Lock your computer when away, use strong passwords, and follow company policies for data security and privacy.
❌ DON’T: Misuse Company Internet and Systems
Avoid excessive personal browsing, inappropriate content, and non-work activities on company computers and networks.
✅ DO: Use Appropriate Communication Channels
Choose the right medium (email, chat, phone, in-person) based on the urgency and nature of your message.
❌ DON’T: Send Non-Urgent Messages After Hours
Respect work-life boundaries by avoiding non-emergency communications outside of normal business hours.
Workspace Etiquette
Maintaining a professional and respectful shared work environment
Your workspace habits affect everyone around you and reflect your professionalism
✅ DO: Keep Your Workspace Clean
Maintain an organized, clutter-free desk and clean up after yourself in shared spaces like kitchens and conference rooms.
❌ DON’T: Create Excessive Noise
Avoid loud phone conversations, music without headphones, or noisy activities that distract colleagues from their work.
✅ DO: Respect Personal Space
Knock before entering offices, respect cubicle boundaries, and ask permission before using someone else’s desk or supplies.
❌ DON’T: Eat Strong-Smelling Foods at Your Desk
Avoid foods with strong odors that might bother colleagues, especially in open office environments or shared spaces.
✅ DO: Share Common Resources Responsibly
Refill printers, restock supplies, and maintain shared equipment. Replace or report items that are broken or empty.
❌ DON’T: Look at Others’ Computer Screens
Respect privacy by not reading emails, documents, or personal information visible on colleagues’ screens or desks.
Meeting Etiquette
Professional behavior that makes meetings productive and respectful for everyone
Good meeting etiquette shows respect for everyone’s time and contributes to productive outcomes
✅ DO: Arrive on Time and Prepared
Be punctual, bring necessary materials, and review the agenda beforehand. Come ready to contribute meaningfully to discussions.
❌ DON’T: Use Personal Devices During Meetings
Put phones on silent and avoid checking messages, social media, or working on unrelated tasks during the meeting.
✅ DO: Stay Focused and Contribute
Participate actively, ask relevant questions, and offer constructive input. Help keep discussions on track and productive.
❌ DON’T: Dominate the Conversation
Share speaking time equitably, listen to others’ perspectives, and avoid monopolizing the discussion with lengthy monologues.
✅ DO: Take Notes and Follow Up
Document important points, action items, and decisions. Follow through on commitments made during the meeting.
❌ DON’T: Leave Early Without Notice
Stay for the entire meeting unless you have a legitimate emergency. If you must leave early, inform the organizer beforehand.
Technology Etiquette
Professional and considerate use of technology in the workplace
Technology should enhance productivity and communication, not create distractions or disruptions
✅ DO: Write Professional Emails
Use clear subject lines, proper greetings, concise content, and professional signatures. Proofread before sending.
❌ DON’T: Take Personal Calls in Open Areas
Use private spaces for personal phone calls and keep work-related calls brief and professional in shared areas.
✅ DO: Maintain Digital Privacy and Security
Lock your computer when away, use strong passwords, and follow company policies for data security and privacy.
❌ DON’T: Misuse Company Internet and Systems
Avoid excessive personal browsing, inappropriate content, and non-work activities on company computers and networks.
✅ DO: Use Appropriate Communication Channels
Choose the right medium (email, chat, phone, in-person) based on the urgency and nature of your message.
❌ DON’T: Send Non-Urgent Messages After Hours
Respect work-life boundaries by avoiding non-emergency communications outside of normal business hours.
Social Interaction Etiquette
Building positive relationships while maintaining professional boundaries
Professional social interactions create a positive work environment and strengthen team relationships
✅ DO: Be Inclusive and Welcoming
Include new team members, welcome different perspectives, and make an effort to connect with colleagues from all backgrounds.
❌ DON’T: Discuss Inappropriate Topics
Avoid conversations about politics, religion, personal finances, relationships, or other sensitive personal matters in the workplace.
✅ DO: Participate in Team Activities
Join appropriate workplace celebrations, team lunches, and social events to build relationships and show team spirit.
❌ DON’T: Make Assumptions About Colleagues
Avoid stereotyping or making assumptions based on age, gender, background, or appearance. Treat everyone as individuals.
✅ DO: Offer Help and Support
Volunteer assistance when colleagues are overwhelmed, share knowledge and resources, and be a collaborative team member.
❌ DON’T: Bring Personal Drama to Work
Keep personal problems and conflicts outside the workplace. Maintain professional composure regardless of personal circumstances.
🚀 Quick Reference: The Office Etiquette Golden Rules
🕒 Respect Time
Be punctual, meet deadlines, and value others’ time as much as your own
💬 Communicate Clearly
Use professional language, listen actively, and ensure your message is understood
🏢 Maintain Professionalism
Keep personal and professional boundaries clear while being friendly and approachable
🤲 Be Considerate
Think about how your actions affect others and contribute positively to the work environment
📱 Use Technology Wisely
Leverage technology to enhance productivity while being mindful of digital etiquette
Social Interaction Etiquette
Building positive relationships while maintaining professional boundaries
✅ DO: Use Professional Language
Speak clearly, use appropriate vocabulary, and maintain a professional tone in all communications, whether verbal or written.
❌ DON’T: Interrupt Others
Let colleagues finish their thoughts before responding. Interrupting shows disrespect and can derail productive conversations.
✅ DO: Practice Active Listening
Give your full attention when others speak, ask clarifying questions, and summarize key points to show understanding.
❌ DON’T: Use Loud or Aggressive Tones
Maintain appropriate volume and avoid aggressive or confrontational communication styles that can create workplace tension.
✅ DO: Give Constructive Feedback
Provide feedback that is specific, actionable, and focused on behavior rather than personality. Frame suggestions positively.
❌ DON’T: Gossip or Share Confidential Information
Avoid spreading rumors, discussing personal information about colleagues, or sharing confidential business information.