Bad Work Habits You Didn't Know You Have
Find out how you rate on the business-etiquette scale
By Esther Chapman
Poor office etiquette can drive us bonkers, not to mention interfere with morale, teamwork, and productivity. But what if you're the one with annoying habits? Save yourself the embarrassment and take this quiz to find out how you rate on the business-etiquette scale.
True or False: Telling jokes at work can be a career-builder, because it shows your colleagues that you've got a great sense of humor.
A: False.
Ok, there may be a perfect joke that everyone finds funny and inoffensive. But, in general, you take a risk that your punch line will rub someone the wrong way. Many jokes have content that could be interpreted as sexist, racist, or otherwise offensive, says Peter Post, co-author, along with Peggy Post, of the book, The Etiquette Advantage in Business.
"I put jokes in the same category as foul language and gossip," says Post. "They all describe inappropriate banter." He adds that a survey by TheLadders.com, a job-matching website, listed foul language and gossip as the two top reasons for firing employees. "There are so many other good things to talk about. Why put yourself in that position?"
True or False: It's acceptable to sell fundraising products or collect donations at work, as long as it's for a good cause and you don't pressure anyone.
A. It depends.
It helps to ask some important questions such as: Is there a company or department policy on solicitation? How many people share this office space, and how many potential solicitations could that represent? There might already be a commonly accepted practice of how solicitations are done. If so, it helps to follow that protocol.
"In general, it's best to set up a common space where [order forms] are and where people can choose what to support. You might even bring in a box of Thin Mint cookies, and put them out there with a sign that says, 'Have a thin mint, buy a box!' " says Post. If in doubt, get clearance from your boss.
True or False: You're allowed to leave your cell phone on, as long as it's set to vibrate.
A. False.
Perhaps no topic has thrown etiquette experts into a tizzy as much as cell phone use — and abuse. Many of us irritate our neighbors with endless beeping, buzzing, and chatting. During your off hours, your phone habits are your prerogative. But at work, personal cell phone use (including texting!) is a no-no.
"Some people are surfing the web at work, checking out social media pages, taking personal calls, and texting. It's a surreptitious type of thing, a real problem," says Post, who knows companies that have established "no-screen rules" to curb the issue.
Even having phones on vibrate can annoy others, especially if the phones are left to buzz on your desk, says Ellen Reddick, whose company Impact Factory provides etiquette and professional presence education and consulting. At meetings, she finds it unprofessional to see attendees hunched over their phones before the meeting begins, rather than taking time to interact with colleagues or customers.
If you use your cell phone for both work and personal use, the rules become more blurred. However, you can still exemplify good manners by never taking calls or checking messages while meeting with others, and refraining from taking care of personal matters during business hours. In the event of an emergency, you can be reached at your work number.
True of False: If you suspect that your voice carries, ask your neighbor if you're speaking too loudly.
A. True.
In today's open and cramped workplaces, prominent sounds and smells — such as humming or wearing strong perfume — can interfere with your neighbors' peace of mind. And, of course, what makes one person grind their teeth in frustration may not register with another, so it may be worth asking those nearby if something bothers them.
"You can ask, 'Am I talking too loudly?' Or, just listen to yourself. If you know you talk more loudly when you get excited, try to control that," says Reddick.
She also warns against chewing gum, jangling keys, eating fragrant lunches at your desk, and using potpourri in the office. If you smoke, consider carrying a small bottle of Febreze to spray on your clothes. "People have a lot of allergies these days, and it's annoying to have to be around strong smells all day," she says.
True or false: It's fine to listen to music at work as long as you wear earphones and keep the volume low.
True, as long as your workplace doesn't have a policy against the practice.
Most companies allow workers to listen to music with headphones as long as they don't become too oblivious to their surroundings. In fact, music helps some people concentrate better, because they're not distracted by ambient sounds. Just make sure you can still hear the phone ring and notice when anyone stops by. "And if someone comes to talk to you, remove both earbuds and stand up so they know you're really present," says Reddick. Don't act "as if someone is annoying you."
True or False: When deciding what to wear to work, you can't go wrong emulating your boss.
"Dress is one of the first things people notice about you. It's part of your professional image," says Barbara Pachter, a business etiquette consultant and author of the upcoming book, The Essentials of Business Etiquette.
Consider your company culture, role, and particular work requirements for the day, and dress with that in mind. When in doubt, take cues from more senior-level women. Your attire can look both feminine and professional, says Pachter, but skip anything seductive. "Sexy is not a corporate look. If your skirt is six inches above the knee, where will people look? At your legs. Same with cleavage. It's a distraction," she says.
True of False: Extending a firm handshake is only necessary when meeting a client or someone more senior than you.
Etiquette experts say many common niceties have gone by the wayside as our society grows more informal. High on Pachter's list of pet peeves: ignoring people when you walk down the hall. Make a point to remove your headphones and say hello as you pass co-workers; When meeting with colleagues or clients, give them respect and attention — including direct eye contact and firm handshakes. "We attribute all kinds of good qualities to people who are friendly," says Pachter. "They're the ones who get the promotions."
She recalls a story of a woman who listed her boss as a reference when applying for a new job. The applicant got the job, but neglected to thank her boss. "He told me he will not extend himself for [his former employee] again," says Pachter.
Ouch. So does that mean formal, written thank-you notes remain the standard etiquette? A handwritten note still makes a greater impact, says Pachter, but even an e-mail will do in a pinch. Whatever the vehicle, take time to show appreciate to anyone who goes out of his way to help you — your boss, co-worker, or even the facilities manager. You never know when that person will be in a position to help you again.
True or False: The same etiquette for offices applies to cubicles, including knocking before entering.
Wouldn't we all love that corner office with the spectacular view and sound-proof walls? But most of us work in cubicles, so we must do our part to create that ideal office setting even without doors, windows, or ceilings. That means respecting simple guidelines for our cube-mates, including knocking at the entrance, or at least announcing your presence with, "May I come in?" No shouting exchanges with the person in the next cube, jumping in on other people's conversations, or sticking your head over the walls — a practice Post calls "prairie dogging." Don't borrow items from your co-worker's desk without permission. And skip noisy habits like using speakerphone.
"If you need to have a conversation, take it somewhere else where it won't bother others," says Post.
Finally, remember that your cubicle has open viewing for all who pass, so keep it relatively neat and take private grooming to the restroom. Enough said.
True or False: There's no harm in leaving a little trash on the kitchen counter — that's what the cleaning staff is for.
An office break room or kitchen can offer a pleasant place to eat and chat. Or, it can turn into the messiest, filthiest space on the floor. Make sure you're not the one leaving dirty dishes in the sink (nope, not even for the day), spaghetti sauce splattered around the microwave, or spilled coffee on the chair. Do your part, even if it's only to model good behavior for your peers.
Remember that communal spaces are, by definition, shared. So, reserve personal conversation for private places. You don't want to make others feel uncomfortable, or even worse, compromise your professional reputation.
When sharing equipment, follow the Golden Rule. For instance, print or scan large files during the least busy time of day in the copy room. Post recounts a day when one of his employees made special arrangements to work a slightly later shift, so she could complete a long copy job without holding up her co-workers. "It's a matter of thinking about what you have to do and how that affects others," he says. "Show consideration for others. Wouldn't you like the same from them?"
True of False: The perfect time to arrive at a meeting is exactly on time, so you don't waste time or keep others waiting.
False — You should arrive 7 minutes early.
"Better never than late," George Bernard Shaw once quipped, and that certainly rings truest in the workplace, where tardiness makes for a distinctly bad impression.
"Being late for meetings shows disrespect for others," says Reddick. "You're assuming your time is much more important than anyone else's time." She notes that those who come in last typically get the worst spot in the room. "Where you sit is very strategic in your career. You don't want to come in last and be relegated against the wall. You want to have a seat at the table and be part of the action," she says.
For those with chronic late-syndrome, Reddick suggests trying to arrive seven minutes early to all future appointments. Seven is better than five, she says, because it's more precise and, therefore, stays more prominent in your mind. Plus, if you happen to get delayed, you'll still have time to spare.
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