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A Guide to Business Etiquette
Article

A Guide to Business Etiquette

25 Tips For Surviving the Modern Workplace

Forage, 2021


Editorial Rating

7

Qualities

  • Applicable
  • Concrete Examples
  • For Beginners

Recommendation

Business etiquette can be a minefield. COVID-19 altered many business mores, such as shaking hands. And younger employees, many of whom have never worked in an office setting, might not be au fait with unwritten business pleasantries, which vary from country to country, and from company to company. But if you follow the basic rules of business etiquette, says writer Zoe Kaplan, you can thrive professionally while improving your interactions with your colleagues. Learn how to behave with propriety while embracing the adaptability required to flourish in the workplace.

Summary

Successfully navigate your workplace culture by prioritizing good business etiquette.

Learning professional business etiquette can give you a leg up at work in two ways: Others perceive you as more professional, and you contribute to a more respectful workplace. 

While it can be confusing to navigate the mores and norms of a new workplace, taking time to learn the “rules” of business etiquette can improve your career development and interactions with others. 

Align your clothing choices to your company’s dress code.

If you’re unsure of your workplace dress code, err on the side of overdressed initially. If your organization is active on social media, check out photos on sites such as LinkedIn to gauge how to dress. If you’re working remotely, ensure you wear clothes on your bottom half during virtual meetings to avoid embarrassing mishaps.

Be respectful toward your colleagues.

With more people working remotely, bonding with co-workers is trickier than ever. To improve collaboration, strive to overcome...

About the Author

Zoe Kaplan is a senior writer at Forage, a virtual work experience provider, where she shares career advice. She previously wrote and edited content for Fairygodboss, a career-centered community for women.