Office etiquette looks different now than it did in 2019. As the world has changed, so have workplaces. Hybrid working is more common, attire has become more casual in many workplaces and hours are much more flexible.
These changes are all good, according to Chris Brennan, a performance consultant for Insperity, because adhering to old standards doesn’t serve the wants and needs of today’s employees. In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we discuss Brennan’s thoughts on some antiquated office etiquette rules that no longer make sense.
Making employees unnecessarily go into the office. Some people enjoy working at the office, while others enjoy working from home. Companies that give the option to staffers on where they work can maintain a competitive edge. Unless there’s a valid reason for requiring a return to the office, continue to support remote work for those who prefer it.
Adhering to 8-5. Gone are the days of expecting employees to work an 8-hour shift with a 1-hour lunch break. Today’s employees require more flexibility. Brennan says this could look like split time between home and office, custom shift hours to accommodate each individual or shortened work weeks. There’s no one-size-fits all, he says.
Allowing the cubicle/office sneak attack. Pre-pandemic, it may have been okay to surprise colleagues or employees with impromptu meetings at their workspace. Now, Brennan says this is considered disruptive at best and irritating at worst. Most of us have grown accustomed to scheduled meetings, so if you need to talk to someone, give them advance notice instead of springing something on them unexpectedly.
Only meeting in the conference room. Old office etiquette meant only holding meetings in the usual conference room. That’s not the case anymore. You can conduct meetings outside, offsite or while on a walk around the block. Think about how to infuse more creativity and excitement into the activity, Brennan says.
Assuming everyone has the same comfort level about workplace safety. Don’t assume that everyone is on the same page about working in close proximity or in enclosed environments all day. Encourage your employees to talk to you about their concerns and how you can accommodate them. For example, you could implement more outdoor meetings in the fresh air and remind employees to ask permission before hugging or shaking hands.
Working around the clock. Employees today expect a life-work balance over a work-life balance. No one’s impressed by workaholics anymore, Brennan says, and employees aren’t burning themselves out over a job. Wellness matters, so watch for signs of burnout in yourself and your team members.
If your organization is still following a dusty old set of rules, you can get up to speed by considering the points above. This will modernize your workplace for current employees and make it more attractive for prospective job candidates.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Chris Brennan is a performance consultant for Insperity. He has more than 15 years of experience in human resources.
