Workplace etiquette for fresh graduates and unprofessional professionals

Lifestyle

Published: 2018-04-08 15:16

Last Updated: 2024-03-28 14:16


Editor: Arwad Khalifeh

Make it work! (Eremnews.com)
Make it work! (Eremnews.com)

Spending 48 hours a week in an office can be mentally-draining, but even more so if some of your colleagues are “behaving badly.” Let’s face it, we all have at least one co-worker who didn’t get the memo on “work etiquette.”

Each workplace has its own vibe, rules and culture, but there are unspoken rules that one must abide by if they wish to have a happy colleague/boss/work relationship, and they apply to fresh graduates starting their first job, and “unprofessional professionals” who started off their careers on the wrong foot.

Below is our guide to a better, happier and more successful work experience.

 

Sssh

If you need to get the attention of a colleague who’s sat on the other side of the office, please don’t shout out their name for the entire office to hear (especially if you’re in an open-plan office). It will disturb others and cause them to lose their train of thought. Besides, that’s what Whatsapp, email and your legs are there for!

 

Co-worker, interrupted

If someone is in a meeting, do not, under any circumstances - unless it is breaking news or the stock market has crashed - interrupt that meeting. It is inconsiderate to barge in there to ask a question or say hello, because whatever it is, we’re sure it can wait.

 

Me, me, me

Don’t take credit for something you haven’t done, especially if it’s a team project (you know who you are). If that happens to you, be smarter the next time around and tell your boss all about your bright ideas before the new project begins.

 

Take the initiative

Please do. There is no use in calling yourself ambitious or savvy if you don’t take the initiative and perform your tasks (and beyond) without them being spoon-fed or dictated to you by your superior. This will be one of your best assets, and your boss will be impressed by how independent and resourceful you are.

 

We love logic

Make logic and common sense your best friends at work (and in life). Those qualities will get you far ahead in the game and disallow anyone from questioning your professional decisions.

 

Respect your seniors

It is really important to value your seniors’ opinions and learn from their expertise. After all, when they give you positive criticism or share work tips with you, it is for your own good.

 

Respect juniors

Being a junior staff member does not mean that you’re not as “good” at your job as your seniors; it just means that you’re less experienced. Therefore, if you’re in a senior position, don’t undermine fresh grads, because they can add a fresh perspective to the way things work and come up with new, innovative ideas.

 

Money

Do not discuss your salary with fellow co-workers, especially if you’re a high-earner, as that will only lead to resentment and jealousy amongst those who feel overworked and underpaid.

 

Just ask

If you don’t ask, you don’t learn. Whatever stage you’re at in your career, if you’re not sure about something, there is no shame in asking your colleague about it. You need to get the job done and get it done well, after all.

 

Nag

OK, maybe don’t nag, but be persistent. When you’re working on something with a laidback colleague and there is a deadline looming, don’t feel embarrassed to gently - and regularly - remind them about it. Use the same tactic when following up with other departments on paperwork, requests etc.

 

Stick to your life values

Don’t compromise your values, ethics or beliefs just to get ahead or please people. Your values make you who you are, and you must always stand up for what you believe in, as long as you remain respectful of your fellow colleagues and their ideals.