 There are many “unwritten” office rules. To make a great daily impression and build fantastic working relationships, you need to brush up on these. Here are the top Do’s and Don’ts of office etiquette so you know when you may be overstepping the line.
Privacy Pointers
Working in an open plan situation, requires discipline and respect for others privacy and personal space. If you have problems with a colleague or a manager discuss these in the privacy of a closed office-with the person concerned.
Announce yourself
Don’t assume that all staff have an “open door policy”. Don’t barge into someone’s office space without checking that you are not interrupting – a verbal “knock, knock” will be appreciated.
Acknowledge
Always acknowledge the person walking into your office by looking up and making eye contact – even if you are busy on the telephone. A nod and eye contact acknowledges the person and makes them feel welcome.
Confidential Work
If you are working on a project of a confidential nature-keep out of sight of curious eyes. When away from your desk, don’t leave an email or document open on the screen. Put away, confidential paperwork in a drawer.
Private Life
In most offices you are constantly in hearing distance of others. Leave your personal drama at home. The whole floor does not need to hear about your cheating boyfriend’s latest wrong doing or your child’s potty training saga.
 Tidiness
Even if your company does not have a “clean desk policy” ensure your desk is neat and tidy at all times. Your tidiness forms part of the “halo effect” and your overall professionalism. If your office area always looks like a rubbish dump – people will start to think “Imagine what her/his house looks like?”
Eating
Avoid eating at your desk. There is nothing more unpleasant than having to endure various food smells at all times (slap chips, sushi and popcorn), in an open plan environment. There is no escape, except perhaps to flee outside and play in traffic….Even if they never mention their disgust to you, colleagues might start to resent you, and label you as inconsiderate. Make sure you clean away used mugs and plates promptly.
Take Your Turn
Whether it is making coffee, buying cake or showing the new person around, make sure you take your turn. These small tasks show you are a team player.
 Personal calls
Personal calls are no longer personal , in open plan offices, your call is likely to be overheard, even when colleagues don’t want to. If you can, wait until lunch or tea time to make personal calls. If you are making long personal calls at work you are either lacking job motivation or are disrespectful of company time. The quickest way to irritate your colleagues is by walking around the office speaking loudly on a cell phone.
Help Out
Offer your help to colleagues when you can see they really need it eg making photocopies 5 minutes before that all important meeting. Make sure you use your common sense on this one, as you can easily be taken advantage of.
Personal Boundaries -
 When borrowing staplers, pens, telephone directories etc.-always ask for permission, make sure you return it promptly and in the same condition.
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Before you move anything that belongs to a colleague -ask permission “Do you mind if I move these 2 files to give us more space?” Messing with someone else’s territory and possessions can lead to a nasty snap.
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Different people have different personal space areas. So before you sit your behind on someone’s desk or look over their shoulder at their new screen saver, ascertain how comfortable they are with your proximity.
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It is easy to pick up unease in someone whose space has been invaded by watching their body language. They may lean back, away from you. Turn in their chair to face you, using their legs as a barrier. They might move things towards you-files, a mug, almost pushing you away extending their boundaries.
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Avoid inflicting these on your colleagues – chewing nails, picking your nose, burping etc.
Absolute No-No’s
Converse in front of others in a language not understood by them. Not only is this rude but shows no consideration for the person that cannot understand that language. Abuse of company resources
Remember, only your personal belongings are yours - everything else- your files, notes, e-mails belong to the company. Taking home office stationary for your child’s school project or your husband's new business is called STEALING.
Using company e-mail for private purposes
Make sure, you keep these to a minimum: personal e-mails, personal instant messenger use, surfing the net on company time, personal blogging. Remember, your e-mail system is owned by your employer, so the company has the right to discipline you for abusing it. Read your company’s official internet policy.
Being Late
If your company has a security card access system- management knows what time you go in and out of work. When needed, they can use these reports to implicate tardy employees. Don’t expect co-workers to cover up for you when late. Being late does not show how busy you are but rather how disorganized you are.
 Don’t Gossip
Everyone gossips a little, however constantly spreading rumours or hearsay is not going to win you friends. If you become known for being a gossip, people will distrust you. Also remember that your next “secret” will be just as appealing to be passed on by others.
Don’t Offend
Never make racist, religious or sexist comments. At the same time, be careful you are not being too sensitive and easily offended. You’ll be labeled as the over-sensitive one and people will feel they need to “tiptoe” around you.
SMS’s
I am sure you know someone at the office who is addicted to sms’ïng. Make sure this is not you-it's very annoying. If you have to text-make sure your phone does not beep with every letter pressed and keep it to a minimum.
Review your company's policies
Every company has a list of policies available to its employees. If you don't remember them, now's a good time to brush up on what's acceptable and not.
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