After employment begins, the rules of workplace etiquette become important. Workplace etiquette refers to that behavior which is acceptable in the workplace.

• Call in and speak directly to their supervisor when ill and unable to report for work. A parent or spouse may call when the employee is physically unable to call, otherwise the employee should make every effort to make the call themselves.
• Provide 1 or 2 days notice for any scheduled time off (e.g. exams, projects, vacation).
• Adhere to the scheduled work times. Changing work hours can upset the schedule of others in the office and affect overall productivity.
• Dress appropriately for the work environment. Questions about the workplace dress code should be addressed during the interview. While at work, employees represent their employer.
• Be punctual. Good attendance and punctuality are important and key to success. If employees are chronically absent or tardy they cannot fulfill the job requirements of their position.
• Work, not study. Student employees are paid to work, not study.
• PLAN AHEAD.
• Give 2 weeks notice and write a letter of resignation upon resigning.

Office politics become more manageable when employees remember to treat everyone the way they would like to be treated, and strive to develop positive relationships and alliances. It is important to acknowledge that disagreements in the workplace will occur occasionally however, and remember that it is OK to disagree as long as everyone’s best communication and interpersonal skills are used when it happens.

Everyone wins when mistakes are turned into opportunities. Employees are encouraged to establish a checks and verifications system to help prevent mistakes. When a mistake occurs, they should admit it, offer a solution, update the checks and verifications procedure(s) to prevent the mistake from happening again, and then communicate the procedures updates to their supervisor.

The workplace is a better, happier, more productive place when employees are polite to one another. Employees should thank co-workers who help and teach them. They should become good followers. They should practice humility--what makes the most positive impression is not showing how much you know, but rather demonstrating the maturity to know how much you do not know. Finally, employees should be nice--everyone deserves their respect.

Student Employment Referral Service would like to thank the Communication Career Services for their assistance with this piece.