1. 10 ESSENTIAL OFFICE ETIQUETTE TIPS
CGA Employee Training

2. Office Etiquette
Quite simply, proper office etiquette refers to the unwritten/ understood code of conduct employees should follow in order to be successful in the workplace. It’s a set of norms widely accepted as appropriate behavior.

3. Office Etiquette
Office etiquette may include having good manners and being respectful and courteous of others, as well as using workplace technology in a suitable manner. Proper office etiquette isn’t hard to learn, but it’s a skill you should constantly practice and improve upon throughout your entire career.

4. 1. Dress Appropriately
A good and helpful advice: “dress for the job you want...” Surveys on the subject suggest that the majority of very successful professionals believe that dressing the part was a vital factor in attaining their success. Most business professionals consider appearance and leadership presence to be intrinsically linked. They understand that if you don’t look the part of a leader, you’re not likely to be given the role. Far from imagining that appearance is a personal matter, they perceive that looking well-turned-out engenders self-confidence, a trait they consider the bedrock of authentic leaders.

5. 1. Dress Appropriately
CGA’s dress code is business professional. Employees must dress in a businesslike manner and avoid extremes in dress. Flashy skimpy or revealing clothing is unacceptable.
Good personal hygiene is also important. Employees provided with uniforms should keep them in neat and clean condition, and wear them as instructed when on duty.
For more information, please refer to our CGA dress code.

6. 2. Please and Thank You Are Still Magic Words
When we were children, “Please” and “Thank You” were referred to as “magic words” that were to be used when we were asking for something and then, in turn, receiving something. Although we’ve all outgrown the reminders from our parents, these words have certainly not lost their enchantment. In fact, these words are so important almost every language has some equivalent with similar meaning.

7. 2. Please and Thank You Are Still Magic Words
“Please” and “Thank You” still have a prominent place in the business world, and you should use them at every opportunity. By using common courtesies, you demonstrate that you respect the people with whom you’re dealing. Keep a strong Customer Service attitude and clients, colleagues, and more importantly, your superiors will realize you’re a go-to person.

8. 3. Be a Team Player
In our work environment, there is an expectation you will work with other people on projects during the course of your employment. It’s sometimes tough to get along with varying personalities and that’s precisely why clear communication is so important. Part of office etiquette is working well with others and communicating effectively.

9. 3. Be a Team Player
Take time to listen to other people’s points of view. You may not always agree, but it’s likely you can learn something new by being open to other perspectives and respectful of other people’s opinions. Also, make a point not to overburden your coworkers by avoiding your responsibilities.

10. 4. Think Before You Speak
Sure, your close friends “get” your dry sense of humor and blasé attitude, but you should keep personality quirks in check when dealing with coworkers and clients.

11. 5. Respect a Closed Door
If a coworker has shut his/her office door, stay out –– knock before entering – ask for permission and don’t interrupt.

12. 6. Skip the Childish Pranks
Any joke made at your coworker’s expense—or worse, a customer’s—probably isn’t all that funny.

13. 7. Take a Breath Before You Hit “Send"
Think before you “send”.
Remember that once you hit "send" from an office computer (or to or from a work account), your words are now company property. Don't use slang or text-speak.  s should be handled as a formal letter. Don't forget: s can be kept on the company's record for years. 

14. 8. Keep Your Personal Matters And Opinions at Home
It may be OK to have strong views, but it’s not OK to push those views on your coworkers or pick fights with them when you have a difference of opinions.

15. 9. Watch Your Language, Even When You Are Away From Your Desk
Anything you do during the day—even while you’re on break—is a reflection of your professional self, especially when a client might witness or hear what you are saying.

16. 10. If/When Problems Arise, Handle Them Privately
If clients see you clash with a coworker, you’ll both come off as unprofessional. Treat your colleagues with respect and hopefully they’ll follow your lead. Bring any escalating issues to your supervisor’s attention and/or HR.

17. Here are a few additional office etiquette tips to encourage positive working relationships
Be friendly and encouraging to co-workers.
Be responsible. If you say you’re going to do something, do it. If you’re unable to complete a task for some reason, make sure information is communicated to all team members who would be impacted.
Be on time. Being punctual says a lot about your personal values.
Don't get too personal at work. When you disclose too much, you become vulnerable and it's also not conducive to a business environment.
Rise above office gossip. No one wants to earn the reputation of being the office busybody.

18. …encourage positive working relationships
Keep your office space clean and respect company property. Consider your coworkers when you pack your lunch…make sure that what you pack does not have an intrusive odor.
Keep your ring tone and any music under control. Loud music can be distracting, so it's best to keep your phone on vibrate.
Don't take too many personal calls. If you have to, end it quickly so that you don't disturb those around you — especially if it's an open office space.
Don't come to work if you're too sick. The rule of thumb is "if you're contagious you should stay home."

19. …encourage positive working relationships
Understand people are unique and dwell on their positive, not their negative qualities. It’s acceptable to not be friends with everyone, but try to at least be professional and cordial in your interactions.
Don't interrupt your colleagues. Not only is it disrespectful but it's a sign of poor social skills.
Don't be loud. It's not just rude, it's intrusive. Keep quiet and don’t invade other people's personal space. 
Share the credit. You will come across as a team player.

20. And…communicate, communicate, communicate
And…communicate, communicate, communicate! Your co-workers are not mind readers, so make sure you’re communicating with them and your manager on a regular basis.

21. Remember…
First impressions are important! You are the ambassadors of our business.
Always act with honesty and dignity.
Show appreciation for the courtesies extended to you, and be helpful and co-operative with each other.

22. Exceptional Team – Exceptional Solutions
Acknowledgement of Training – Office Etiquette
I acknowledge through my submittal below that, on this date, I reviewed the training session. I further acknowledge that I understood the training and the CGA, Inc. expectations, and I will act consistently with those expectations.
I also understand that if I have questions or concerns regarding the matters covered by the training, that I can address those with Human Resources.
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