Ep. 554 Workplace Etiquette Guidelines for New Employees and Those New to the Workforce

Rancho Mesa’s Alyssa Burley and Client Technology Specialist, Brenda Colby sit down to discuss workplace etiquette guidelines for new employees and those new to the workforce.

Show Notes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to Rancho Mesa's Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠

Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Alyssa Burley

Guest: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Brenda Colby

Editor: Megan Lockhart

Music: "Home" by JHS Pedals, “Breaking News Intro” by nem0production

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Transcript

Alyssa Burley: You’re listening to Rancho Mesa’s StudioOne™ podcast, where each week we break down complex insurance and safety topics to help your business thrive. 

I’m your host, Alyssa Burley, and today I’m joined by Brenda Colby, Client Technology Specialist with Rancho Mesa, and we’re going to discuss workplace etiquette guidelines for new employees and those new to the workforce.

Brenda, welcome to the show.

Brenda Colby: Happy to be here Alyssa.

AB: So, whether you’re starting a new job or looking to polish your current habits, professionalism can make or break your success at work. And for employers, it’s really important that you communicate your expectations to employees. So, let’s start with the basics. What does professionalism and attitude look like on a day-to-day basis? What should employers expect of their employees?

BC: So that’s a good question, and it starts with being reliable, showing up on time, meeting deadlines, and doing what you said you’d do. And punctuality sends a message that you respect other people’s time.

AB: Yeah and that reminds me of one of Rancho Mesa’s core values – which is accountability. When you take responsibility for your work — even when things go wrong — it builds trust with your team.

BC: Exactly. And adaptability is a big one too. Being open to feedback, learning new tools, or rolling with last-minute changes, that’s what makes employees stand out.

AB: Yeah. So, let’s talk about communication. We all send out dozens of emails and chat messages a day. Explain how tone matters in those communications.

BC: Tone really does matter, actually. Using professional language, avoiding slang and abbreviations helps maintain clarity and respect. And when writing emails, structure them well: use a clear subject line, a greeting, body, and signature.

AB: Yes, and proofreading goes a long way, too. You don’t want to rush an email to a client and end up sending sentences full of typos. Or, having to exchange more emails than necessary because the message wasn’t clear to begin with.

BC: Exactly. And in meetings, also be present, no multitasking. Come prepared, listen actively, and show engagement. People notice that level of professionalism.

AB: Yes, and we often think multi-tasking is being productive, but not when you’re in a meeting and another person is talking to you.

Now, what can you share about respect in the workplace? Because this one that makes or breaks a team culture.

BC: Yea, this is a big one. Respecting boundaries is key in order to ensure all employees are able to stay focused on their tasks and have an enjoyable experience every day. So, avoid hovering at someone’s desk for long periods of time and keep chatter and volume to a minimum, especially for personal conversations. Being aware of the people around you and their need to focus is important in maintaining a respectful environment.

And teamwork is important to. Offering help, sharing credit, keeping communication open, that’s where collaboration really shines.

AB: Yes, and anyone who has played a team sport can incorporate that same attitude in the workplace. And when conflict happens, which it will, address it calmly and privately. Avoid venting to coworkers or sending angry messages – or airing grievances online, which brings us to our next topic: digital conduct.

We’re all online more than ever, so digital conduct is part of professionalism, even when it’s on a personal or professional account, right?

BC: Absolutely. We advise to follow your company’s IT policies and keep online communication appropriate, which means using a professional tone even in chat apps. And minimizing distractions, like social media, can help you stay productive.

AB: Also, confidentiality matters. Never share company or client information without permission. It’s not just unprofessional and it can be a legal issue.

So let’s move into workplace habits. What advice do you have for new employees about how they manage their space?

BC: So I know that clean desks and quiet spaces might sound simple, but they make a big difference. Keeping shared spaces tidy, being mindful of noise, dressing appropriately, all that contributes to a positive workplace culture. And take breaks responsibly, step away when you need to, but make sure you’re managing your time well.

AB: Absolutely, you don’t want to be disruptive of the people working around you. And no one likes to pick up after a coworker’s mess.

Alright, so let’s talk about participation and culture. Being engaged with your team isn’t just about showing up to meetings, it’s about making meaningful contributions. So, how can employees be sure they’re participating well on their team?

BC: This is a good one. Attend meetings, ask questions, and learn how your organization works. If you’re remote, turn your camera on, being visually present helps build connection.

AB: And “don’t be the story” —this is something that Rancho Mesa talks about all the time—meaning represent your company well, on and off the clock.

BC: Exactly — professionalism doesn’t end when you log off. Keep your calendars updated, your chat status accurate, and be accessible when people need you.

AB: So, to sum it up, professionalism isn’t just about following the rules. It’s about showing respect, taking ownership, and creating a workplace where everyone can do their best work.

BC: Right. When you lead with integrity and intention, professionalism becomes part of who you are, not just what you do.

AB: Well said. And in addition to everything we discussed today, a Professional Etiquette online course is available through Rancho Mesa’s RM365 HRAdvantage™ Portal, and is a great resource for new employees or can be used to remind current employees of company expectations. So employers can use that online course as they see fit.

So Brenda, if listeners have questions about the RM365 HRAdvantage™ portal, what’s the best way to get in contact with you?

BC: As always, clients can contact me at bcolby@ranchomesa.com or call me directly at (619) 486-6562. 

AB: Brenda, thank you for joining me in StudioOne™. 

BC: Thanks for having me!

AB: Thanks for tuning in to our latest episode produced by StudioOne™. If you enjoyed what you heard, please share this episode and subscribe. For more insights like this, visit us at RanchoMesa.com and subscribe to our weekly newsletter.