11.5 Etiquette
Anita Hedlund
Workplace etiquette includes being polite, pleasant to work with, and being reliable enough that others trust you to honor your commitments. According to an article on professional etiquette from the University of Massachusetts Global (n.d.), qualities like tact, communication skills, and reliability are highly sought after by employers. People who exhibit these traits are often viewed as more competent and valuable employees (UMassGlobal, n.d.). Essentially, etiquette is rooted in respect (UMassGlobal, n.d.). Simple practices like keeping your work area tidy, using proper language in emails, and taking notes in meetings demonstrate professionalism. Engaging with the speaker through attentive body language and asking relevant questions also shows you value both your team and your work. People notice if someone is distracted or disengaged during a meeting, such as when they are on their phone or appear bored.
A key aspect of etiquette is being mindful of how your actions and words affect others. This includes managing how much time you spend on personal matters during work hours, avoiding oversharing personal details, and refraining from posting about your workplace on social media. The best practice is to avoid doing so altogether. Always consider how what you say or post might reflect on your organization, co-workers, or even on confidentiality. People have lost their jobs for using poor judgment and violating social media policies. For instance, if Amy, a patient, posts on Facebook about being frustrated with her high blood pressure, and Grace, who works at Amy’s OB/GYN clinic, responds with private details, Grace could be fired for a HIPAA violation, as she disclosed confidential health information.
While it’s not always possible to get along with everyone, avoid criticizing co-workers or trying to make them look bad. Be tactful when discussing others’ work, and avoid gossip. Gossip is unprofessional and can harm team dynamics or negatively impact the department’s culture. Recognize the value of each person and strive to be inclusive, even when differences arise.
When sending electronic communication, such as emails, ensure your message is clear and specific. A subject line like “Wednesday Meeting” can be vague and lead to confusion. The recipient might not know whether you’re confirming attendance, discussing potential changes, or suggesting a time adjustment. Instead, choose a more descriptive subject, such as “Item to Add to Meeting Agenda for Wednesday.” This makes your request immediately clear. Additionally, after meetings, it’s helpful to send a recap outlining the action items and tasks assigned to each participant. For example, if Mary, Jose, and Yin Yin were present in the meeting, your recap might note: “Mary will investigate the cost of a new copier, Jose will follow up with the manager about booking an in-service with the IV pump vendor, and Yin Yin will write a medical algorithm for a new treatment process to be reviewed by the 15th of the month.” By sending this recap to everyone in the meeting, it ensures everyone is clear on their responsibilities and makes it easier to track progress during future meetings.
Originally a French word, etiquette describes a code of acceptable behavior and rules that apply both socially and professionally