Business Etiquette
Business etiquette experts claim there are not enough good manners and a growing amount of disrespect in today's workplace. You may have witnessed some examples of this behavior such as overhearing a co-worker's noisy cell phone call, seeing undergarments that should be kept "under" one's clothing, or observing someone talk with a mouth full of food; these were pointed out by the writer of a recent article I read.
It seems that the line between what is acceptable and unacceptable at work is getting thin as a result of the new generation of employees entering the work force. May be it is the new technology they are bringing with them like cell phones, as well as a more relaxed attitude and fashion display. Etiquette businesses are not complaining with the increased demand for their services. As a result, businesses in general are seeing increased productivity, improved sales, and better cooperation in the workplace. One etiquette expert, who has taught the concept for over 20 years, trains and certifies a minimum of 10 consultants a month, an average of six more than just two years ago. She is not worried about job security.
The trainers can provide one-on-one coaching and help give companies a more professional appearance. They give a variety of advice from proper table manners to the dress code. The trend of hiring etiquette businesses should not be a surprise according to some who believe that companies want to bring back the ground rules for how employees and their bosses need to behave at work, especially on how to use technology.
Differences in the age of workers may also lead to conflict. While it may be ok for a younger employee to spend time text messaging a friend on the job, it might be unacceptable in the case of a baby boomer. In addition, rude and disrespectful treatment can potentially break down morale and lessen productivity at work. It may also interfere with your personal life at home. One woman said she opened up her own etiquette business due to the disrespectful treatment she and her co-workers received from a former boss. She said nothing was ever done good enough for the former employer, and the morale at work was destroyed. The experience motivated her to help other employers and their workers respect each other. She commented, "Etiquette is not just about manners, but it's principles to help people build stronger relationships."
That would be the perfect way to conclude this entry. However, there is one more tip the article makes note of and that is to introduce a person's business associates; doing so assists in building communication and shows respect. Who knows, you could be introducing your next boss.
Business etiquette is a very important factor in the work environment and it also causes work hazards when it is negligent. People tend to get comfortable when they have been on a job for a long period of time and sometimes lose that "drive" that they have when they are first hired. Teenagers tend to take advantage of work experiences when they enter into the work force. Like mentioned in the article, they use cell phones while at work, invite friends to their job and hold long conversations while they should be conducting business, don't properly call in from work, or don't come to work at all. Situations like these could be bad habits that they take throughout their work experience. Things like this are frowned upon when an older person does it because everyone thinks that, "They should know better!" Honestly, we never learn unless we are taught and that's why business etiquette is such an important topic.