TOOLBOX TALK 25/60
TOPIC: OFFICE ETIQUETTE
OBJECTIVE: TO ENSURE WORKERS ARE AWARE OF WORKPLACE ETIQUETTE

Work has changed, but that doesn’t mean employees can forget workplace etiquette. More employees are at the office again. Some might be inclined to bring their work-from-home habits and etiquette back to the office. Some etiquette relates to the results of how COVID-19 changed our workplaces and lives.

Recognise personal space

  • The preferred etiquette is to keep 1 metre apart when engaging with colleagues. In meetings, you need to distance chairs 1 metre apart. We discourage employees from taking or borrowing each other’s supplies.

Be health conscious

  • When you work in close quarters, it is easy to transfer germs. Stay home if you are sick.
  • It’s good hygiene to cover your mouth when you cough, keep hand sanitizer on hand, don’t leave used tissues around, and wipe down the desk, computer keyboard and phone from time-to-time to help prevent germs from spreading.

Be conscientious

  • Continue to share information, respond to requests, be professional in meeting behaviour, contribute to creating a positive work environment and conflict resolution.
  • The constant dinging from messages and notifications can be distracting for both you and your co-workers. Change your call settings to vibrate or silent and check it at regular intervals if you’re expecting an important call or message. Use an appropriate cell phone ringtone.

Be clean

  • It is important to clean up after yourself. Wash dishes, wipe tables after use, and clear the refrigerator of your belongings. Clean your work areas at the end of the day.
  • Make sure the toilets are flushed using clean water and avoid urine spills.

Temper conversations

  • Discussions like religion, money, sex, politics, the coronavirus, vaccinations, statistics, etc., are often rooted in politics, and that is a conversation better fitted for outside work.
  • Don’t talk negatively about other people, don’t share stories about another person’s personal life.

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