Follow these eight tips to maintain professionalism at work:
1. REFRAIN FROM GOSSIPING
If you’re trying to make a good impression on your boss and co-workers and develop meaningful, trusting relationships with them, then steer clear of office gossip. Getting caught up in petty gossip makes you look unprofessional. Even if everyone is gossiping around you, take the high road and walk away from gossipers or change the subject altogether.
2. DON’T TALK ABOUT SALARY
Salary is a taboo topic that shouldn’t be discussed with anyone but HR and your manager. Even if you work for the most laid-back company, it’s never really appropriate to talk about or compare salary wages with your co-workers.
3. ACT PROFESSIONAL AT ALL TIMES
It’s human nature to be more casual during Friday night drinks hour or after hour company functions. Remain professional whenever representing your company. Online professionalism is just as important. Never post anything that could be seen in a negative light about your company,its policies or someone working there, even if its on your private page. Unless, of course you don’t want to keep your job.
4. DON’T ABUSE YOUR PRIVILEGES
If you work at a company that allows casual Fridays and doesn’t require you to punch in your hours, then consider yourself lucky. Many companies do not give their employees such perks because they’ve been abused one too many times. Don’t take advantage by taking two-hour lunches or appearing far too casual on a Friday.
5. SAVE SOCIAL NETWORKING FOR HOME
Keep your social online networking activity for your breaks and not too distract you from your work. Even if your company does not restrict use of certain websites. don’t abuse this privilege by signing onto Pinterest every hour or Facebook-ing when you should be working.
6. MIND YOUR MANNERS
Minding your manners at work goes beyond saying please and thank you. It includes giving your undivided attention during meetings, answering e-mails promptly, showing appreciation to those who help you, and respecting others’ time. Clean up after yourself at meetings, trainings. Ask before taking things from work, including pens and other supplies that belongs to your company.
7. COME EARLY, STAY LATE
Specially in the first year of your career, don’t be a clock watcher. Come early to work and stay later. Punctuality is very important, but coming early to work shows even more that you care. It may count in your favour when it comes to getting sought after projects or being considered for a raise or promotion.
8. LOOK THE PART
Whether or not your workplace has enforced a dress code, you should always strive to look professional. Pay attention to detail – a loose thread, laddered pantyhose, short tie, stained shirt – all say you don’t care about your appearance and personal brand. For the 9 essentials to executive presence click here.
If you want your employees to be the best brand ambassadors for your company watch this video…
For more information on our Power Etiquette and Packaged For Success programmes email ask@haydeeantezana.com or call USA 951 970 4347 or SA +27 11 616 9712.
