Image and Attitude:

Workplace Appearance, Etiquette and Professionalism

Employees represent their company

The way you communicate, dress, and behave both inside and outside the company contributes to others’ perception of you and your company

Etiquette is a standard of social behavior as seen by society

Discuss today’s fashions and trends that would or would not be appropriate for the workplace

A policy that addresses issues such as required attire, hairstyle, jewelry, and shoes◦ Know what is acceptable◦ Vary depending on the industry, work area,

and health/safety issues◦ Some are vague, some specific◦ Should pose no safety hazards

Shoes in good condition, not too high Nylons, socks free of snags Makeup should be minimal for day wear

◦ Use natural colors It is not acceptable to wear suggestive

clothing◦ No visible cleavage, bare midriffs, or

undergarments

Shoes polished, scuff free, match pants Shave and/or trim facial hair, including

nose and ear hair Professional pants with neutral belt Shirts should be tucked in Hats should not be worn inside buildings

except for religious purposes

Follow company policy Nose, lip, and/or tongue rings should not be worn

in a professional setting More than two earrings worn on each ear is

considered unprofessional Jewelry should not draw attention

◦ Symbols or words that could be considered offensive to others

Body art should not be visible at work

Do:◦ Shower daily and use deodorant◦ Use perfume, lotion, or cologne sparingly◦ Clothes should fit properly and be clean and

ironed, not torn. ◦ Hair should be clean, well kept, a natural

color, and professional◦ Practice good dental hygiene (Brush and

floss)◦ Nail polish should be neat and conservative◦ Jewelry should be kept to a minimum◦ Shoes should be in good condition

Don’ts:Hoodies, sweat pants, large and gaudy jewelry, flip flops, earbuds, wearing sunglasses

Poor grammar and spelling can come across as unprofessional

Avoid adding emoticons (smiley faces, twinkle, etc.)

Do not start messages with “hey” or other casual phrases—always begin with “Title, Name…”

Workplace e-mail is not Facebook, Twitter or text messaging—it is a professional form of communication and should be taken seriously.

A good handshake conveys confidence

Extend your right hand, make eye contact and smile while greeting

Meet at the web and grip the other person’s hand

Gently squeeze and shake hands

Do not squeeze too firmly Shake the entire hand, not just the

fingers Do not place your hand on top of the

other person’s hand or pat the hand If your palms are sweaty, discreetly wipe

your palm on the side of your hip prior to shaking

Have a pleasant attitude◦Please and thank you

Knock before entering an office Put others first and allow others to go

first Apologize—everyone makes mistakes No profanity in the workplace Avoid dominating a conversation—the

key is listening Say please and thank you

The key to success in the workplace Workers are expected to be responsible, ethical,

team oriented Professionalism Includes:

◦ Smiling◦ Maintaining eye contact◦ Being punctual◦ Having a positive attitude◦ A desire to learn◦ Doing what is expected

Professionalism

Include:◦ Coworkers◦ Bosses ◦ Customers

In meetings:◦ Do not dominate a discussion◦ Do not interrupt◦ Do not speak poorly of anyone◦ Let the supervisor guide the conversation

Not showing up for work on time Using the Internet for personal business Taking or making personal calls or texts Taking long breaks and lunch periods Playing computer games Using office supplies for non-business purposes Theft