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With the Gradual Return to In-Person Work, an Etiquette Coach Explains How Seemingly Simple Attitudes, Such as Lateness, Gossip, Jokes, and Inappropriate Body Language, Can Affect Professional Interaction, Individual Image, and Reputation Within Teams and Companies
With the gradual return of workers to the offices, a survey by Business Insider gathers guidance from an etiquette coach on five frequent mistakes in professional interactions, ranging from lateness in meetings to gossip in the workplace, with a direct impact on reputation and daily interaction.
Avoiding Gossip Is Essential, Even Among Close Colleagues
According to etiquette coach Mariah Grumet, sharing rumors at work may seem like a way to build bonds, but it is inappropriate in a professional environment. She emphasizes that while close relationships may develop in the office, there are boundaries that need to be respected.
According to Grumet, spreading rumors about others in the workplace crosses those boundaries and can undermine trust among colleagues, affecting how the professional is perceived within the team and by leadership.
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Some Topics Should Stay Out of the Workplace
The coach states that certain topics should be avoided in conversations among colleagues. These include religion, politics, personal health issues, and comments about appearance. According to her, these topics belong in spaces outside of work.
Grumet emphasizes that even close relationships do not eliminate the need for professional communication. Some topics can be sensitive for others and, therefore, inappropriate in a corporate context, creating discomfort or unnecessary conflicts in daily interactions.
Lateness in Meetings Affects Professional Image
Another highlighted point is punctuality. Arriving late to meetings, whether as a participant or organizer, demonstrates a lack of respect for the time of other professionals involved.
For Grumet, being punctual directly represents professional image.
This attitude signals commitment to work and consideration for colleagues, while recurring lateness can harm the employee’s credibility and perception of responsibility.
Jokes at the Expense of Others Should Be Avoided
Making jokes about colleagues is another cited mistake. The coach warns that it is never possible to predict how a joke will be received, even when there is no intention to offend.
She highlights that being careful with humor is crucial in the corporate environment. Although humor may be a natural style of communication for some people, extra attention is needed to avoid generating discomfort or negative interpretations among colleagues.
Body Language Also Communicates Respect at Work
In addition to words and tone of voice, body language plays a central role in professional interactions. Grumet states that people closely observe gestures and postures during work conversations.
According to her, body language should reinforce the message being conveyed, not create noise. Examples include slightly leaning forward in meetings to show attention and avoiding crossing arms while someone speaks, behaviors that indicate active listening and respect.
The guidelines were shared in an interview with Business Insider, in a context of resuming in-person work, where small lapses in etiquette can have amplified effects on professional relationships and reputation in the corporate environment.
