Office etiquette: College grads will need quick lessons when joining working class
1 year, 6 months agoUpon turning 16, high school students are taught the rules of the road and instructed to follow them ... or else. Back then, the threat of speeding tickets or parking violations was enough to keep one from straying from those sacred teachings. As those students get older and graduate college, one would think there would be a similar rulebook for life. Unfortunately there isn't. But the good news is a little common sense and courtesy will get you a long way on the corporate highway.
Nicholas Aretakis, who coaches college students on workplace issues, says college prepares you for work-life not only in terms of book learning, but also relationship building. Living with a roommate in a 10-foot by 10-foot dorm room and doing it successfully with no broken bones or serious property damage can really help when you land your first job... in a cubicle. Those tight working spaces can make for some awkward and potentially irritating times for you and your co-workers, but this is where a little thoughtfulness comes in.
While some aspects of work can mimic college life, recent grads can still take a few pointers from Aretakis, who is also the author of "No More Ramen: The 20-Something's Real World Survival Guide (Next Stage Press, $14.95). Here are his 12 tips for switching gears.
1. Control the volume of your voice. On calls and with co-workers, talk at a moderate volume. It's not the library, but it's not a frat party either.
2. Keep personal phone calls brief. If you have to make or receive a non-business call, do it away from where others are working.
3. Turn your cell phone ring to low or to vibrate. Also, consider changing your ringtone to something neutral and businesslike.
4. Don't eavesdrop. If you can't help it due to the proximity of your desk, at least don't join in conversations you're not part of.
5. Dispose of food containers in the cafeteria or break room. Be respectful of shared spaces. If someone else leaves dishes or trash, clean it up and set a good example.
6. Use discretion with your cubicle decor. Your workspace is a 3-D business card. Think twice about raunchy music posters and Satan bobbleheads.
7. Don't get sloshed on business trips. Remember that you're an ambassador for your company on the road. Also, know that your boss probably has "spies."
8. Don't IM, surf or social network on the job. Save all non-job related activities for home. Don't forget that your boss has the right to monitor your e-mails.
9. Don't engage with chatty co-workers. Politely tell them that you're on a deadline and will find time to talk later perhaps at lunch.
10. Don't procrastinate. You can't pull regular all-nighters to finish work deadlines. Keep your inbox on your desk and on your computer empty.
11. Don't gossip. Gossip is toxic and always comes back to bite you.
12. Be reliable. Say what you'll do and then do it. Having a reputation for reliability is the best way to win the respect of co-workers and your boss.
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