How Managers Can Improve Workplace Etiquette

High standards of workplace etiquette can make a significant difference to the atmosphere of any working environment. There are number of different methods that can be used by managers to improve workplace etiquette and create a more harmonious working environment.

Setting Workplace Etiquette through Example

Managers should be the example that employees follow when it comes to workplace etiquette. Employees often look up to good managers, and will exhibit good manners and respect if managers actually do the same. These etiquette rules will usually come naturally to employees who have many years of work experience. But for new starts, people from other countries or employees in a new working environment these rules can be confusing. There are a number of workplace etiquette rules that managers may need to make employees aware of, but managers do need to be aware of these rules themselves.

Making Employees Aware of Workplace Etiquette

The easiest way to make employees aware of workplace etiquette is to include the rules in the workplace handbook. This can then be given to new employees to read, or at times when etiquette rules have been broken. Most workplaces will have a number of etiquette rules that apply including what will and will not be tolerated. Using common sense is usually a major factor when deciding on the workplace etiquette rules. Managers who are in doubt about what rules to implement can consult with human resources departments.

Etiquette and Respect in the Workplace

Respecting co-workers is a big part of workplace etiquette and managers can help to encourage this. Although it does occur regularly, managers should avoid becoming involved in workplace gossip or office politics. Managers should also try to avoid favouritism in the workplace. An equal amount of respect should be shown to all employees. Many managers will simply avoid employees that they find ‘difficult’ to work with. This will be noticed by other employees and will definitely be noticed by the employee who is being avoided.

Employee Disputes and Conflicts

Managers should have employee conflict resolution as part of their job description. Good managers will know not to take sides when employee conflicts do occur. Reminding employees that professionalism is expected may be enough to calm the conflict. A good leader should be able to stop conflicts escalating into full blow feuds. Conflict resolution with a mediator may be required to deal with certain employee disputes. Good managers should be able to help resolve employee disputes before resorting to disciplinary procedures.

Using Team Building and Role Playing

Many managers do believe in the use of team building games such as role playing to help bring respect and a harmonious attitude into a working environment. Team building games and exercises can bring employees together and can encourage mutual respect. Role playing exercises are also a way for employees to learn the roles of other employees and understand the pressures involved in their jobs. Managers should take the step of consulting employees before deciding to try team building and role playing. Forcing employees or making it compulsory to take part will not be conducive to a harmonious workplace.

Techniques to Encourage Workplace Etiquette

Managers can help to encourage workplace etiquette with a few simple techniques including:

• Showing appreciation for an employee’s work especially if they have went beyond and above the standards required
• Setting workplace etiquette standards by setting a good example
• When employee conflicts arise avoid blaming one employee over the other; this will not solve the dispute
• Consider employee’s views on changes in the workplace including etiquette changes
• Employees do have different etiquette standards, which is why etiquette rules should be laid out in writing
• Do not tolerate or join in with office politics or office gossip
• Build good workplace relationships; talk to employees in person rather than simply rely on emails
• Leave personal problems at home and always give out a friendly but professional attitude

Managers and employees should work together as a team, not just on work issues but also when it comes to workplace etiquette. Good standards of workplace etiquette can help with employee productivity and efficiency. If managers and employees do show each other respect in the workplace it can make a big difference to the working environment atmosphere.