August 20, 2025
The Dos and Don’ts of Modern Office Etiquette
Workplace etiquette isn’t as rigid as it once was. While expectations evolve with industry norms, generational differences, and company culture, a basic code of conduct still matters. Dress codes may have relaxed, but the way you communicate, collaborate, and show respect remains essential to professional success. With that in mind, here are eight dos and don’ts to help you thrive and avoid that dreaded call from HR!
1. Do: Be Punctual
Respect others’ schedules by arriving on time. This applies both to the start of the workday and any work-related meetings or appointments. If you’re working with a global team, make sure to check for time zones and consider cultural differences, although we do advocate for being punctual rather than taking it easy just because you’re Italian!
2. Don’t: Ghost Meetings Without Prior Notice
Skipping meetings without informing others wastes their time and damages trust. If circumstances beyond your control, like weather, outages, or excessive traffic, cause you to miss one, notify participants as soon as possible and suggest an alternative time.
3. Do: Maintain Email Hygiene
Your inbox doesn’t need a bubble bath, just a little routine care to keep things tidy. Open, read, and respond (when necessary) to new messages, and delete anything irrelevant. If you receive a high volume of emails each day, it’s easy to overlook important details or meeting invites. Try to open new emails at the start of your workday and set aside time for a weekly cleanup to stay on top of communication.
4. Don’t: Wear Inappropriate Clothes
In industries like finance and law, employees still have to maintain a level of modesty and formality through their clothing. However, in most offices today, the dress codes are business-casual or casual, if it’s a startup. Generally, sleeveless tops, open-toe shoes, shorts, and short skirts are off limits.
*This tip depends on the workplace, so do check with your employer for precise guidelines.
5. Do: Be Attentive and Responsive
Actively listen to others during meetings and share your thoughts and ideas. Use appropriate language and tone in all communications, whether verbal or written. Try to be concise and avoid jargon or slang that may be unclear to others.
6. Don’t: Bring Your Pets to Work (Unless It’s Bring Your Pet to Work Day)
A dog or cat might brighten your day, but not everyone enjoys barking, shedding, or distractions in the office. Unless your company has a designated “Bring Your Pet to Work Day” or clear guidelines, it’s best to leave pets at home to keep the workplace comfortable for everyone.
7. Do: Stick to Work Hours
Unless you work in emergency and rescue services, there is no need to check and respond to messages or emails outside of set work hours. Try to finish all responsibilities for the workday before it ends so you don’t have to stay overtime or check in early. If you are a manager and you really need to message someone outside of work hours so you don’t forget about it later, flag the messages as not urgent or encourage employees to disable notifications.
8. Don’t: Overshare Personal Information
Sharing too much about your personal life at work can blur professional boundaries and make others uncomfortable. While it’s fine to mention weekend plans or hobbies, avoid detailing private issues, family drama, or health concerns. Keep conversations professional and balanced so interactions remain respectful and appropriate for the workplace.
