Workplace etiquette
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
If you arrive late to a meeting, bring beverages or snacks for the group to counteract the negative impression.
The gesture of sharing treats may help offset the annoyance caused by your tardiness.
- This may not work if your boss prefers punctuality over food.
5 people, independently
Do not walk into a meeting or workplace with a visible coffee cup if you are late.
It shows disrespect for others' time by implying you prioritized buying coffee over being on time.
5 people, independently
Send the link to coworkers instead of forcing them to stand and watch long videos on your phone.
Forcing someone to stand there makes them uncomfortable and drains the fun out of the video.
2 people, independently
Occasionally bring coworkers their favorite coffee to build goodwill, but do not make it a habit.
A coworker may help you later because of this kindness.
- Avoid doing it too often, as some coworkers may never reciprocate.
one person who lived it
- Occasionally expense small coffee purchases for your team to show appreciation.1
Accept gifts from loved ones and express appreciation, even if the item is unwanted.
Giving gifts helps them feel good and hide pain.
one person who lived it
Be upfront about your budget limits when offering to treat someone, specifying exactly what you can cover.
No one will complain if you state your limit clearly.
one person who lived it
Gradually reduce the frequency of daily favors so the recipient learns to view them as treats rather than expectations.
This helps break the cycle of entitlement.
one person who lived it
Politely tell people to send you the link instead of watching immediately, especially in a work setting.
It works with most people you work with and allows you to be honest about not wanting to watch right now.
one person who lived it
If you have befriended your vending machine attendant, ask if they can stock specific items you request.
The attendant may accommodate requests, potentially at a lower price than stores.
one person who lived it
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Reframe bringing coffee for a few coworkers as a favor to friends rather than a duty to the whole team, considering the logistical difficulty of carrying many drinks.
Bringing four coffees in one carrier is easily doable, but bringing six likely requires multiple trips and increases spill risk, turning it into an errand for everyone.
one person who lived it
Look for clear signage regarding laptop and seating policies before settling in.
It avoids having to guess how the business wants customers to behave.
one person who lived it
Ask for separate receipts when picking up group orders to ensure accurate reimbursement.
Recipients may overcompensate you out of gratitude for the trouble.
one person who lived it
Observe your most competent and respected colleague to gauge whether casual language is appropriate for your workplace culture.
Their communication style signals what is acceptable in the work environment.
one person who lived it
Choose coworking-friendly cafes or libraries instead of standard cafes for long work sessions.
Standard cafes may explicitly prohibit laptops.
one person who lived it
If you meet a coworker multiple times in one day, use non-verbal greetings like nodding and smiling for subsequent encounters after the initial verbal greeting.
It is socially acceptable.
one person who lived it
Do not CC a boss on emails criticizing a coworker's appearance.
It is humiliating and unprofessional.
one person who lived it
Avoid making remarks about how other people look in professional settings.
Such comments are not considered professional.
one person who lived it
Do not get angry at colleagues who fail to make coffee.
Shared responsibilities often suffer from the free-rider problem, meaning if something is everyone's responsibility, it is nobody's.
one person who lived it
Act professionally and competently by taking emotion out of workplace interactions.
Emotional expression is better suited for partners, best friends, and therapists.
one person who lived it
Recognize that sitting in empty cafes can make the establishment appear busier and more attractive to potential customers.
People are less likely to enter deserted places.
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Understand that businesses may enforce no-laptop policies to ensure table turnover for paying customers and avoid inconsistent enforcement.
Long-term laptop use takes tables away from other customers.
one person who lived it