You've finally joined the workforce and it's an exciting, new phase of your life. You're taking on new challenges, learning new skills, meeting people from all walks of life, figuring out how to work with them, all so that you can make your mark on the world. But even as you navigate the constantly changing dynamics of your new workplace, here are 8 commandments to help you toe the line of appropriate office behaviour.
Don't Be Tardy
Seems like a no-brainer, but it can be tough not to fall in the tardiness trap, especially when you're part of a really big team and you think no one is taking note. Someone is always noticing. No matter how far down the totem pole you are, it's important to maintain a punctual work ethic. Unless you're dealing with a real emergency, make it a habit to show up on time. It builds trust and dependability among your seniors when they know you can be counted to keep your word. If, for some reason, you're running late, make sure you inform your reporting manager, instead of trying to slip in unnoticed.
Don't Poke Your Nose In Other People's Business
No one likes unsolicited advice, so no matter how much you want to offer your pearls of wisdom, keep your thoughts to yourself unless someone has specifically asked you to tell them what you think. Don't ask personal questions to colleagues and definitely do not ask how much they earn. If it's not directly related to your official responsibilities or does not affect how you do your work, it is none of your business.
Don't Start An Office Romance
At best, it is a distraction. At worst, it will end in heartache and you will be left red-faced and forced to work with someone you can't stand to be around. Not to mention the HR disaster that it is. Getting involved with someone at work, especially with someone senior to you, is detrimental to both your career and theirs. Keep your private and professional lives strictly separate.
Don't Show Off
You might have excelled at academics or your folks are personal friends with the top boss, whatever be the case, never be cocky with your colleagues, no matter how tempted you are or how much of a reason you think you have. At the end of the day, the CEO is not going to cover for you when you're sick or battling a deadline, you're going to need the goodwill of your colleagues. Be assertive, not arrogant or pushy, as you work your way up the ladder.
Don't Go Nuts On Social Media
You might be excited about your new job and colleagues, but don't go around adding and following them on every social media network you're on. It's just plain creepy and immature. Limit your interaction with colleagues to professional networks. People at work don't need to know how you feel about Chris Hemsworth's abs in Thor or witness your little outburst at a family reunion.
Don't Be Snarky
Do not go around badmouthing your colleagues or bosses. People tend to remember, and a proclivity to say mean things about the people you're working with is not a desirable quality, when people are looking to hire. Keep it friendly and classy at work. And even if you don't like someone, be polite to them. It's a sign of maturity.
Dress Appropriately
This is not about enforcing archaic standards of conservative clothing for the office, it's simply about ensuring you are well-groomed, neat and pleasant to be around. Even if your office has a relaxed work culture and no defined dress codes, do not go to office dressed clumsily. It's difficult to take someone seriously, when they clearly can't invest 10 minutes of their time in looking presentable.
Never Get Drunk
Office parties are a great opportunity to mingle and network, but not to get drunk. No matter how much people say "it's okay to do it", if you end up getting drunk on the company's dime, you can rest assured that someone is going to snigger and bring it up the next day. You don't want to be remembered by your bosses as the person who made a spectacle of themselves over alcohol. Strictly no-no.
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