… heavy perfumes can also be a real turnoff. Likewise excessive make-up.

Still on Office Etiquette, today we take a look at some general codes of conduct, starting with your personal grooming and conduct.

Sequel to our last post, “Why Office Etiquette? The Power of an Employee…”, sure after this post, you’d understand why employers seek to hire or promote individuals who would enhance the corporate image of the business, and why some highly skilled individuals get overlooked for employment or promotion despite their skill set.

Without much ado, the following are some general codes of conduct:

In offices where the acceptable dress code is ‘casual or smart-casual’ , employees should still dress appropriately.

Appearance:

Dress neatly and appropriately. All outfits, shoes and jewelry must be clean and work-appropriate, and must project professionalism. It is possible to dress modestly and acceptably despite ethnicity or religion.

Avoid eating in the work area, and if you must, keep it simple (coffee, tea, juice and finger foods like cookies, sandwiches etc).

In offices where the acceptable dress code is ‘casual or smart-casual’, employees should still dress appropriately. Avoid unnecessary exposure.

Grooming:

Be well-groomed and practice good hygiene. Keep your hair, nails, etc. clean, tidy and modest. It’s desirable to smell nice, but heavy perfumes can also be a real turnoff. Likewise excessive make-up.

Keep your work place clean and tidy. Avoid eating in the work area, and if you must, keep it simple (coffee, tea, juice and finger foods like cookies, sandwiches etc). Restrict proper meals to designated eating areas only.

Chewing gum in the presence of your colleagues is a no-no.

Habits:

Chewing gum in the presence of your colleagues is a no-no; likewise, smoking, or drinking of alcohol in the work area.

Even in companies where smoking or drinking is allowed, such activities are restricted to designated areas only. This should be strictly adhered to by all employees.

Next, we look at “Meeting Etiquette” . Have a great week ahead.