EMAIL DOS & DON’TS

Electronic communication has changed the way we communicate but not always for the better. Here’s how you can improve your emails, both business and personal:

DO:

› Fill in the subject line.

› Keep it short and concise.

› When sending to multiple people, either send individually or use blind-copy instead of putting all addresses in the To and CC spaces.

› Program an “out of office” response if you’re on vacation from work, letting senders know how long you’ll be away and who to contact if their message is urgent.

DON’T:

› Use all caps; it’s the equivalent of shouting.

› Forward off-color or questionable jokes or stories.

› Flag a message as urgent unless it truly is.

› Gossip or complain about colleagues or, even worse, your boss.

› Argue or break up via email. Even in this digital age, there are some things that still require face-toface communication.

› Discuss private or sensitive topics in a business email.

Workplace Manners

Unless you’re hoping to get fired, you’ll want to follow basic office etiquette. Although these may seem obvious, apparently they’re not, as numerous surveys have found the following to be concerns in offices across the country.

› Be on time. (Duh, right?)

› Dress appropriately. Some attire is never acceptable in the office—even on “Casual Fridays.”

› Respect office policy for cell phone use, and don’t check your phone while in a meeting.

› Think before you speak, and address any issues with a coworker in private.

› Always tell the truth, even if you must do so delicately.

› Keep personal information private. Anticipate that anything you share with another employee can make its way back to your boss.

› Watch your language even when on break or at lunch.

› Keep your cool, and don’t sink to anyone else’s level to make a point.

› Avoid silly pranks and jokes at someone else’s expense.

› Watch those comments. What you meant as a flirtatious compliment may actually fall into the category of sexual harassment.

Party Politely

Being invited to celebrate an event or to share a meal is supposed to be enjoyable. Here’s how to negotiate the social environment whether it involves extended family, your the stated time is typically considered “on time.”

› If you bring lunch to work, skip the overly smelly meals. Your reheated shrimp scampi can stink up the whole office.

› Clean up after yourself when using shared spaces.

› Never help yourself to items from co-workers’ desks or any company property. That includes sending a personal package by using the company’s Fed Ex or UPS account.

› Never drink too much at a company event.

› Acknowledge the invitation promptly, even if no RSVP is requested. If you don’t, it appears you may be waiting for a better offer.

› Don’t bring an unexpected guest with you.

› If you’re running especially late, call the host and let them know.

› Always bring a gift if the party or event is honoring a specific person (birthday, graduation, shower, bar/bat

Be a team player. Go along with the host’s timeline even if it means postponing that laugh-out-loud story you were just about to tell.

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