Businesses have always operated under a certain code of rules and regulations that every employee has to follow. If these rules are broken, you may be subject to disciplinary action. Although, there are some unspoken rules or behaviors that employees adhere to in the workplace. I am referring to business etiquette. Business etiquette, meaning a number of courtesies or correct behavior to portray in the workplace. The atmosphere and understanding of business etiquette has been changing in recent years. A lot of this may have to do with a new open-minded generation of workers entering the workforce. This article will talk about the changing business etiquette environment and what it means for employers and employees.
Dress Code
Businesses have begun adopting a more relaxed dress code. The days of wearing a three-piece suit every day to work are long gone. Now, many companies encourage their employees to showcase their style and personal preference through their attire. The major shift away from formal attire in the workplace does not entirely eradicate the meaning behind dressing sharp for work. In the new climate of informal dress codes, never underestimate the power of cleaning up nice.
Technology
Recent advancements in technology have made business operations run ten times more efficiently than in the past. It can be very easy to get wrapped up in emails or group chats about a project you are working on through your work phone or laptop. Be careful not to let these new distractions get the best of you during your workday. Avoid using your mobile device or laptop to check email during a meeting. Not only is this rude but it also shifts your attention somewhere else other than the meeting, and there could be important information that you are missing!
Emails & Messages
The way you write an email to clients or even coworkers has changed drastically. Similarly to the dress code, email writing has become more relaxed and informal. The beginning of an email would start off as if you were writing a letter with “Dear Mr. Smith.” Recent changes have adapted emails to become more friendly with “Hello Mr. Smith” or “Hey Mr. Smith.” Receiving phone messages has also changed with technology. The origin of voice messages has eliminated the need for someone to take a message for a third party. People can now leave detailed voice messages for people directly with all information they need to contact them back.