Every office has its quirks and unspoken rules when it comes to etiquette, but some of the universal rules of good behaviour seem so obvious that they’re easily overlooked.
Are you the person who’s always leaving your coffee mug in the kitchen sink and leaving it for others to wash up for you? Did you think that your colleagues haven’t noticed? What does that sloppiness say about your ability to finish a task for the team or your willingness to take responsibility?
Navigating workplace politics can be a challenge for working mums in the UK. To help you succeed in your job, we have put together some tips to help you understand the unspoken rules of etiquette and how your actions are perceived by others in the workplace.
Read the Employee Handbook
Make sure to read the employee handbook provided by your company from cover to cover. The handbook will provide valuable information on your workplace’s culture and expectations.
Use Proper Channels
Be aware of the hierarchy in your workplace and follow the proper channels when addressing concerns or issues. For example, if you have a problem with a colleague, it’s best to discuss it with your line manager before escalating it to the board of directors.
Case Study Example: Mary works at a law firm and has an issue with a colleague who constantly interrupts her during meetings. Instead of going straight to the board of directors, Mary talks to her line manager, who helps her devise a plan to address the issue with her colleague.
Choose Your Friends Wisely
While making friends at work is great, be cautious when discussing work-related issues with colleagues. You never know who might be the office gossip or who could potentially use your information against you.
Case Study Example: Sarah is new to her job as a marketing executive and quickly becomes friends with a colleague who seems to know everyone in the company. However, Sarah soon learns that her friend has a reputation for gossiping about colleagues behind their backs. Sarah decides to distance herself from this colleague and instead makes friends with more professional and discreet people.
Be Friendly with Everyone
Being polite and friendly to everyone you encounter in the workplace is important, including receptionists, cleaners, and managers. You never know who may be able to help you in the future or who could potentially hinder your progress.
Case Study Example: Emma is a sales executive with a big pitch to a potential client. On the day of the pitch, Emma realizes she forgot to bring a copy of her presentation. Luckily, she remembers the name of the receptionist who greeted her when she arrived at the office. Emma approaches the receptionist and asks if she can help her print out a copy of her presentation. Thanks to her friendly demeanour towards the receptionist, Emma is able to make a great impression on the potential client.
Clean Up After Yourself
Be respectful of shared spaces and clean up after yourself. This includes clearing off countertops and cleaning up any spills or messes in the kitchen or break room. Leaving a mess for others to clean up can give the impression that you are not a team player.
Case Study Example: Laura works in a busy office where everyone shares the kitchen. One day, Laura spills coffee on the counter and leaves it there, thinking someone else will clean it up. However, her colleague who comes in after she is annoyed by the mess and makes a snide remark. Laura realizes her mistake and makes a conscious effort to clean up after herself from then on.
Vent Outside the Office
Avoid complaining or venting about work-related issues in the office. Instead, talk to a friend or family member outside of work. Venting in the office can create a negative atmosphere and could potentially harm your reputation.
Case Study Example: Karen has had a stressful day at work and feels overwhelmed. Instead of venting to her colleagues, Karen goes for a walk outside during her lunch break and calls her best friend to talk about her frustrations. Karen feels better after venting to someone outside of the office and is able to return to work with a clearer head.
Have Good Etiquette
Be mindful of your behaviour in the workplace. Avoid yelling across the room or interrupting others while they’re working. Instead, use email or other more discreet methods of communication when necessary.
Case Study Example: Jenny works in a small office where everyone can hear each other’s conversations. One day, Jenny needs to have a private conversation with a colleague about a sensitive matter. Instead of yelling across the room, Jenny emails her colleague asking to speak in private. Her colleague agrees, and they have a productive conversation without disturbing the rest of the office.
Understand Deadlines
When given a deadline, ensure you understand exactly what is expected of you. This will give you more flexibility to ask for an extension if needed or to deliver the work on time if it’s required.
Case Study Example: Rebecca is working on a big project for her company with a tight deadline. However, she realizes that she won’t be able to deliver the work on time due to unexpected issues that have come up. Instead of missing the deadline, Rebecca explains the situation to her manager. Her manager is understanding and gives her an extension, which allows Rebecca to deliver the work to a high standard.
By following these tips, you can navigate workplace politics with confidence and professionalism, making a positive impression on your colleagues and setting yourself up for success in your job as a working mum in the UK.
