Office Etiquette in a Hybrid World: What Still Matters, According to Experts

Many employers now offer training on how to behave at work, and it’s easy to see why. These simple courtesies can help you build stronger relationships, whether you’re at a desk, at home, or somewhere in between.

In today’s evolving workplace, one thing remains true: good etiquette still matters. You may be working full time at the office, at home remotely, or doing a little of both, but no matter where you do your work, there are unwritten rules of etiquette that come with the territory.

Casey Clark, vice president of academic operations at the Western Governors University School of Business, describes etiquette as another word for respect. “Teams run better when people feel seen and heard,” he says. “It is not just about skipping the fish in the microwave anymore. It is about how we show up for each other in every interaction.”

That being said, there are ways to show up for each other, no matter where you work. Here’s what you need to know.

Communicating, Wherever You Are

With much of today’s work communication happening online, via email or messaging, it’s important to always keep things professional, even when communicating with coworkers you’ve become friendly with. And when you receive communication addressed to a lot of people, decide whether you should be replying to all or just the people who need to see it.

It also matters that you respond promptly, even just to acknowledge receiving the message and committing to reply with the answer when you have it. Your full answer can come later.

Some work decisions happen on the spur of the moment, like while chatting in the hallway. Out of respect for the people who need to know, make sure you share it in writing with them, including those who work remotely. Being repeatedly left out of the loop can make a coworker feel alienated.

Respecting Shared Spaces

Working alongside your peers in the office also comes with a lot of unspoken rules, especially since what you do affects everyone around you. For instance, it’s inconsiderate to take calls on speakerphone or play music without headphones, which can be distracting for others in the area trying to concentrate. Other distractions, such as loud notifications, should be switched to silent, and strong-smelling food is best eaten in a separate area.

It’s always respectful to clean as you go, so look after your mess. That means clearing your mug from the sink or making sure the conference room you just used is ready for the next meeting. At times, you may find yourself in a rush and forget, and that’s okay. What you can do is apologize once you realize you forgot. “Most people do not need perfection; they just need to know you noticed the impact and cared enough to fix it,” Clark says.

Showing Up for Meetings

Meetings are set with a time for a reason. You’re expected to show up on schedule, whether you’re joining online or in person. But arriving on time is just half of what’s expected of you. You also need to come prepared. And during the meeting, avoid scrolling on your phone or cutting people off.

If you’re the one setting the meeting, it’s also polite to check the availability of the people you’d like to meet with before scheduling it.

Treating Others with Respect

To foster a good relationship with your peers, there are also do’s and don’ts. Don’t gossip. Do share credit for group projects. Don’t come in sick. Do invite new employees to join you for lunch or breaks.

It’s okay to be friendly, but be mindful of being so chatty that it becomes a distraction to people who are busy. “Offices run better when people act like they’re not the only ones in them,” Clark says.

Why it Matters

Etiquette isn’t just about being polite. Clark warns that when you frequently throw etiquette out the window, it can “quietly erode trust, focus, and respect” in the workplace. This is why many companies offer etiquette training for employees. A ResumeBuilder survey of more than 1,500 business leaders found that about 60% of employers offered or planned to offer etiquette training for their employees.

It’s not a big ask, but a little thoughtfulness can make a big difference, no matter where your desk is.