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10 Rules of Professional Etiquette for the Digital Workplace

Aaron Orendorff

Lifehacker, 2016

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To emoji, or not to emoji, that is the question. Fostering appropriate digital etiquette is a critical workplace skill in a world where remote employment is increasingly becoming a norm. In the digital workplace, email and textual communication lack the subtleties and nuances that face-to-face communications boast, and remote workers must compensate to keep long-distance professional relationships functioning. Communication specialist Aaron Orendorff offers a go-to guide on professional etiquette for all employees working remotely.

Summary

To master remote work, apply the 10 rules of professional digital etiquette. First and foremost, show up on time.

Working remotely is becoming an increasingly popular option, but it’s still a relatively new phenomenon. Navigating the unspoken rules and customs of working remotely requires some discipline. In fact, working in isolation may unintentionally erode your social skills, and your colleagues may begin to perceive you as a cad. Be aware of this tendency, and employ a set of 10 rules to minimize miscommunications and maintain good rapport with your colleagues.

First off, be punctual to show respect for your colleagues’ time. Planning for digital meetings is more complex and time-consuming than simply showing up. Ten minutes prior to your online meeting’s scheduled start time, turn on your computer, check that your microphone and camera work, download and open the right programs, ensure good internet connectivity, and block distracting notifications.

Send personal rather than generic emails.

Emails that you send to every user in your company will end up in most employees’ trashcans – unread. When you need to communicate to a large group...

About the Author

Aaron Orendorff, a professor of communication and philosophy, champions business growth and scalability through exceptional content.

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