The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally altered the way we work. With many companies embracing remote work models, employees accustomed to the comfort and flexibility of their home offices faced a period of adjustment upon returning to the physical workplace. This transition, however, presented a new set of challenges – a skills gap in basic workplace etiquette.
From Pajamas to Professionalism: Relearning Office Norms
As companies called employees back to the office, a surprising trend emerged: a lack of familiarity with professional workplace behavior. Two years of remote work led some employees to develop habits unsuited for the traditional office environment. Others, particularly new entrants to the workforce, may have never had the opportunity to learn proper workplace etiquette in the first place.
This gap in essential skills is driving a surge in demand for workplace etiquette training. According to a July 2023 survey by Resume Builder, a job seeker service company, over 60% of businesses plan to implement etiquette courses for their staff this year.
This rise in training reflects the need for companies to adapt to the hybrid work era. Ensuring a productive and harmonious work environment with a mix of remote and in-office employees requires proactive measures to bridge the etiquette gap.
Etiquette Experts See Business Booming
The increased demand for workplace etiquette training is evident in the experiences of companies specializing in this area. For instance, New York-based Beaumont Etiquette, a consulting firm offering etiquette training, reports a staggering 100% increase in client requests over the past two years. This surge in demand cuts across industries, with companies of all sizes recognizing the value of proper workplace behavior.
Anne Chertoff, COO at Beaumont Etiquette, attributes the need for training to a decline in practiced etiquette skills during the remote work period. “It’s like people just got out of practice in some ways,” she explains. Simple courtesies like washing dishes after use, a common practice at home, may be overlooked when returning to the office environment.
Common Workplace Faux Pas and How to Avoid Them
Many seasoned office workers are familiar with the most frequent etiquette blunders. These include:
- Loud phone calls: Disregarding colleagues’ need for a quiet work environment by speaking loudly on the phone.
- Messy workstations: Leaving dirty dishes, cluttered desks, or overflowing trash bins creates an unpleasant work environment for everyone.
- Inappropriate conversations: Discussions of sensitive personal matters or offensive jokes have no place in a professional setting.
- Awkward introductions: Failing to confidently introduce oneself or others can create a sense of unprofessionalism.
- Email faux pas: Sending excessively long emails, using unprofessional language, or neglecting to proofread before sending can be detrimental.
Beyond these common issues, the rise of digital communication presents new challenges. For example, the use of emojis and acronyms with potentially ambiguous meanings can lead to misinterpretation. Similarly, the casual attire often worn while working from home may not translate well to video conferencing calls. Here, Chertoff advises dressing professionally from the waist down, anticipating the need to stand up during the call.
Social Media as a Platform for Etiquette Education
The demand for workplace etiquette training extends beyond traditional classroom settings. Online platforms like TikTok and LinkedIn have become popular sources for etiquette tips. Social media influencers like Mary Knoeferl, known as “Mary the Analyst” on TikTok, offer advice on navigating workplace situations, from handling tough questions from colleagues to avoiding personal computer use for work purposes.
While etiquette refreshers can benefit workers at all career stages, Chertoff emphasizes the particular importance for Gen Z employees entering the workforce. Many of these young professionals may have missed opportunities to develop professional behavior in college or internships due to pandemic disruptions. Additionally, starting their careers remotely may have hindered their exposure to proper workplace norms.
In recognition of this need, some colleges and universities are now offering or even requiring courses on professional skills such as networking and business etiquette.
The Importance of Soft Skills in the Modern Workplace
“Soft skills are just as important or more important than the technical skills that you learn,” emphasizes Chertoff. Inappropriate behavior towards colleagues or clients can negatively impact one’s career prospects, potentially leading to job loss or missed opportunities for advancement.
Workplace etiquette training equips employees with the tools to navigate professional interactions effectively. By fostering a culture of respect and understanding, companies can build stronger teams, enhance productivity, and create a more positive work environment for all.
