Social Customs: Workplaces
Every workplace is different, but some rules remain the same.
Every workplace is different, but some rules remain the same.
What we'll cover
Work is a huge part of one’s life. According to one statistic, Americans spend one-third of their lives at their jobs, working out to about 90,000 hours. But what behavior is appropriate in the workplace? That question can be difficult to answer, but we’re here to help.
In this “Social Customs” guide, we’ll cover a brief history of professionalism, let you know what is appropriate at work and give you an idea of what to avoid while at the workplace.
Professionalism
Codes of professionalism originated in the 19th century. The workplace, as a physical space, was only introduced in the 17th century. Prior to that, even white-collar workers like lawyers conducted business from their homes.
Professionalism, as a concept, was meant to establish the qualifications one needed to begin a career, the code of conduct those in the career were meant to uphold and generally accepted salaries for the career. However, professionalism was often used as a cover for more harmful purposes, such as excluding minority groups and newcomers to professional fields.
Today, professionalism still stands on an uneasy divide. Professionalism, in white and blue collar workplaces, creates a standard set of accepted behaviors and skills. But it is also often a tool of exclusion, with those not aware of the practices being labeled as “unprofessional.”
What to do
The workplace has many stated and unstated rules. Here are some general guidelines to follow when looking for workplace success.
• Arrive on time. No matter where one works, arriving on time is an important part of the job. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to settle in before starting your work day.
• Dress to fit in. Professional dress codes have become much more relaxed in recent years, but it is important to match the style of your workplace. If you work in an office where everyone is wearing hoodies and jeans, showing up in a suit would be out of place. But if you work in a high-powered law firm where business professional dress still reigns, it would be similarly odd to show up in sneakers and a t-shirt. Dress to match the environment. On the first day of a new job, it is better to be overdressed than underdressed.
• Be mindful of your speech. When at work, it is important to be mindful when speaking. Do not use foul or demeaning language. Try to not interrupt people. Keep your usage of inappropriate slang to a minimum. There is a distinct difference between speaking with friends and speaking with co-workers, and you should keep this distinction in mind.
• Keep it PG. The workplace isn’t where you want to share your wildest stories. When sharing about yourself, keep to information that is acceptable to tell your grandmother. Don’t overshare with your co-workers.
• Be interested. A lot of professional faux pas can be smoothed over by a good attitude. Keep a positive demeanor. Stay focused and interested in meetings. (Or, at the very least, look interested.)
• Introduce yourself. In most professional environments, the onus is on you to introduce yourself. Do not wait for someone else to speak up on your behalf. When meeting with new co-workers or other business associates, introduce yourself with your name and job title. It also helps to give some relevant information. For example: “Hi, I’m Susan Cohn. I’m the assistant operations manager here, and I've been working on our teapot project for nine months now.” This provides more information than simply saying, “Hi, I’m Susan” and allows your colleagues to place you in the company and in the flow of their own work.
• Be aware of hierarchy. Businesses are filled with hierarchy. One’s job title usually indicates where someone is in the pecking order. (The words of a director-level employee, for example, will carry more weight than the words of a junior-level employee.) It is important to note the hierarchy and your place within it. Some workplaces are less hierarchical and some are more, but all workplaces, ultimately, have some sort of hierarchy.
• Be civil. The workplace differs from other areas of your life. In your social life, there are people with whom you do not get along and you no longer spend time with those people. In the workplace, this is not the case. Even if you do not enjoy or like a co-worker of yours, it is important to keep a good attitude, and save your frustrations with that person for off-the-clock.
What not to say
There are certain conversations which are not appropriate for the workplace. We’ll let you know what you should avoid saying.
"Do you agree with the death penalty?"
Why it doesn't work: Hot button issues that don’t impact your work shouldn’t be brought up in the workplace (unless your workplace directly interacts with these particular issues). The workplace is filled with a variety of people, from a variety of backgrounds. Your colleagues may hold wildly opposing views from you. If it doesn’t impact your day-to-day work, it is better to avoid hot button topics.
"Cynthia is awful at her job."
Why it doesn't work: Avoid gossiping about co-workers. The workplace is a relatively insular environment. Your unkind words will likely reach the ears of the person you’re discussing. Save the venting for a friend who does not work in your specific workplace.
"This weekend we got into so much wild shit. We did keg stands and..."
Why it doesn't work: Telling stories about your wild exploits and using foul language are ways to brand yourself as “unprofessional.” Although your off-the-clock activities may not impact your work, talking about them may impact the rest of your professional life. Sharing these types of stories can make people think you may not be suited for a professional environment.
"Yeah I told everyone I was sick, but I really went to the beach."
Why it doesn't work: Lying isn’t appropriate, and discussing your lies are a great way to get yourself fired. It is important to be honest and aboveboard in your dealings with others at your workplace.
What to say
The workplace is where we spend a lot of our time, but it is its own unique environment. Get to know those around you outside of the specific tasks your co-workers perform, but in a professional way. Here are some things to discuss which will bond you with your co-workers without causing you issues.
• TV and movies. TV and movies are generally safe topics for the workplace. Talking about the latest episode of Abbott Elementary or Succession is a good way to bond with your co-workers. The concept of “watercooler talk” developed through the workplace.
• Hobbies and sports. Hobbies and sports are appropriate topics for the workplace. If you root for the same team as a co-worker, this is a fun way to bond. Hobbies, like marathon running or crocheting, are always appropriate to discuss. You’re allowed to have a life outside of the office and bring some of that into the office. These are good topics of discussion.
• Industry innovations. Keeping up-to-date on industry innovations and discussing them with co-workers is a good way to brainstorm. It is also a good way to let others at work know you are serious about your job. Talking about the latest industry news is a good way to let others know you are interested in your work beyond just the confines of your last meeting.
The gut check
Workplace rules can be complicated, but there are things you can do to let others know you’re a professional. Arrive on time. Dress to match your workplace. Keep stories about your out-of-work life PG. Be interested in your work and keep a good attitude.
Checklist
✔ RSVP
✔ Arrive on time, or early, for work
✔ Dress to match your work environment
✔ Keep your language respectful
✔ Don’t overshare with your co-workers
✔ Introduce yourself to others at work
✔ Have a positive attitude
✔ Stay interested in what others are saying
✔ Be aware of the hierarchy at work