Workplace

It's been a rough day all around.  Fifteen co-workers were let go today.  It's always rough to lose a job but even worse when it happens around the holidays.  When things like this happen it definitely changes the ambiance of the office and gets all the busy bodies going.  It's sad but true.  I lost my train of thought a few times today and every time kept telling myself that now might be the time to brush up on workplace etiquette.  This way I will learn from others mistakes and won't fall prey to the office politics and damage my professional reputation or worse, cost me my job.

Here are a few do's and don'ts that we all should follow:

1. Think before you speak because while your close friends might "get" your dry sense of humor you need to keep your personality quirks in check.

2. Be a team player since no one wants to shoulder a bigger workload because you are dodging your responsibilities for one reason or another, coming  in late or leaving early every day.

3. Respect a closed door because while someone might not look busy when you peek in the door was shut for a reason.....so stay out.

4. Skip the childish pranks because any joke made at your co-workers expense probably isn't all that funny.

5. Take a breath before you hit "Send" because once you do your words are now company property.

6. Keep your personal matters and opinions at home.

7. Consider your co-workers when you pack your lunch because no one wants to suffer through your smelly meal.

8. Watch your language even if you aren't at your desk because anything you do during the day (even on break) is a reflection of you professionally.

9. If problems arise you should handle them privately.

10. Respect company property by not stealing or taking care of personal business all day long.