The office has one thing you can’t regularly get at home—social interaction!
The workplace may be getting back to normal after the pandemic, but sadly some people are still struggling with remembering what it means to have proper office manners. So, before you step out the door for work, think twice about wearing your go-to-pandemic sweatpants and still thinking it’s mannerly to hide behind your computer screen.
Modern Manners Guy is hosted by Richie Frieman. A transcript is available at Simplecast.
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Getting back into the lifestyle of a pre-pandemic office is becoming the new normal and we’re all learning how to readapt ourselves to a culture we accepted for decades. I know your workplace may not be filled with the same perks as your home: a cushy sofa, your pets, and not having to feel awkward when people see you go to the bathroom after scarfing down an enchilada during lunch. With that being said, getting back to your work life prior to 2020 should be celebrated and embraced. The office has one thing you can’t regularly get at home—social interaction!
Sadly though, some people are still struggling with remembering what it means to have proper office manners post-pandemic. So, before you step out the door, think twice about wearing your go-to work-from-home loungewear and check out my 3 Tips For Re-Learning Office Etiquette: Post-Pandemic Edition:
While under your own roof, wear whatever you feel is best to be a productive member of the corporate world… just as long your laptop camera is not on. In fact, I had a friend who wore a vintage Larry Bird Celtics jersey every day for six months while working from home, because, “it gives me the luck of the Irish, just like Bird.” Hey man, you do you. Yet, even though he was suited up for a game of hoops from 9-5, when it came time to Zoom, he was sure to keep a proper work outfit on standby. He would do his hair, shave, throw on a button-down, and manage to get through a meeting without #33 having his back. Once the meeting was over, he went back to sports mode and no one was the wiser. Also, when he (and every normal person in the world) would go to a work meeting out of the office, he made sure to dress the part to match his office culture as well (leaving all Bird memorabilia behind).
So, how hard is it for people – post-pandemic – to forget that the nonchalant “luxuries” you have embraced with working from home are not the corporate norm? Unless your company made a drastic change, the respectful way to conduct yourself is the same dress code that landed you the job in the first place.
Despite my dislike for lazy living, it doesn’t mean you can’t wear comfortable clothes that are still nice. In fact, one of the best fashion trends to come out of the pandemic was much more acceptance of business casual in the workplace. The high-quality athleisure wear industry exploded due to the pandemic and as a result, some incredible stylish products were released. Along with that, it seems that the business suit (both for men and women) has become slightly looser and accepting of the concept that “buttoned up” isn’t so literal.
However, despite my love for modern athleisure and a contemporary take on business casual, when you walk into the office nowadays, it’s proper to return to what your company views as respectable attire. And don’t act like this is such a drastic stretch either; it’s not like you torched all your old dress clothes in rebellion once the pandemic hit. Dust off those corporate clothes, iron the creases, and suck it up for the time being. Then, when you get home, feel free to throw on your old college sweatshirt from freshmen year and lounge out to your heart’s content.
One beauty of working at home is the bonus of avoiding an annoying “office pop-in.” You know, one moment you’re deep into thought and someone swings by energetically unannounced, derailing your workflow? Sure, Barry from Sales may be a nice guy and all, but I don’t need to hear about his 7-year-old’s “killer fastball” for the tenth time this week. “Get over it, Barry! Cooper is in first grade—he’s not being scouted for college any time soon!”
Working at home permitted us to choose who we spoke to and how (phone, Zoom, or email). Remote work also allowed us to simmer our tempers overall, knowing we didn’t have to deal with obnoxious coworkers in person. One article from the BBC about working from home stated that, “People with high frustration tolerances are generally also conscientious workers, who particularly succeed at remote work.” Despite the support of science, I’m 100% confident that every doctor on Earth will also say that in-person interactions in the workplace make for successful and more well-rounded employees.
Let me be clear, even though I encourage in-person interaction, that doesn’t mean becoming “besties” with everyone. Rather the goal of face-to-face meetings is maintaining productive relationship-building skills. Even if you find communicating with people in person to be a struggle, you still should take the steps—even small ones—to make a solid link between you and your coworkers. Reach out to see if Barry from Sales has free time to meet up in person from time to time. Embrace the outdoors and discuss a matter over coffee outside of the office. These momentary points of interacting can go a long way in keeping your coworkers on your good side and showing that you care about making an extra effort.
I’m all for making your workspace a comfortable environment, let alone if it makes you feel more productive. Whether it’s decorating your office space by hanging up pictures of loved ones, adding a plant or two, bringing in a small desk fan or even an exercise ball rather a chair, do what you can to make yourself feel right at home from 9-5. However, not too right at home. Due to the work at home life culture that the pandemic created, some people are having a hard time acclimating to the office they used to know so well. When you worked at home you could do whatever you want, wear whatever you like, and blast whatever type of music you desire – even at volumes that would make most parents shout, “TURN IT DOWN!” Now that you’re back in the real world, you can’t bring all the perks of your couch-office back with you into civilization. Similar to following the proper dress code (that got you the job), just because it worked in your at-home office, doesn’t mean it will translate back into the corporate world. Although we got used to wearing slippers rather than dress shoes, the office life we left behind has not changed that much.
In illustrating this point, I’m not saying you should not try and make your workspace as comfortable as you can but remember it’s not your home. In fact, when it comes to working in an office, you’re basically just a guest. You’re not leasing that corner office out of your own pocket and get to demand certain ways of living. In an office setting – whatever your rank may be – the key is to not disrupt those around you. Don’t expect your boss to be cool with you streaming “Ginny & Georgia” on your iPad while you work on a PowerPoint (using their WiFi mind you). Just because you “think better” barefoot, the last thing people want to see – or smell – are your toes dangling off the edge of a desk like you’re on beachside hammock. If you got used to having music in the background while you worked at home, keep that going but it’s improper to play your music without headphones/earbuds. Yes, the pandemic made corporate America loosen its starchy demeanor to make room for the relaxed work at home culture, but IN the place of work is a whoooooole other story. Remember, your boss isn’t looking to turn their office into a tailgate… just because you feel more productive watching European soccer matches 24/7 on your phone. Keep it classy and keep the streaming to a lunch time only activity.
Meredith Turtis, March 8, 2020, “In a world of telework, some people just take better to working from home. Does this productivity come naturally, or can you learn it?”, BBC.com, URL