How to Be Professional in Today’s Laid-back Workplaces
Mentoria
Last Updated: September 6, 2022
From calling your bosses by their first names to walking in to work at noontime, a lot has changed at the workplace. Today, most workplaces are doing away with a lot of rules and protocol, and professionalism as we know it no longer exists. But, does that mean you do away with professionalism altogether? No. Despite the changing culture at work, there are certain things you must keep in mind to maintain some etiquette at work. Here are a few things you need to watch out for:
1.”Work-life Balance Takes Priority”
What’s New
Working all week and sometimes the weekends too to achieve your goals is a philosophy everyone adopted in the ’90s and the ’00s. But, today, most companies adopt a five-day work week and in countries like New Zealand, they are also trying out four-day work weeks! Organisations have realised the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and therefore, encourage their employees to do so as well.
How to be Professional
Having said that, you need to make sure that before you leave for the weekend, you have completed all of the tasks allotted to you. Just because work-life balance is given importance, doesn’t mean you use it as an excuse to compromise with work. So, make sure you plan your week well and finish all your work before retiring for the week.
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2. IST – Individual Suited Time
What’s New
When we think of work timings, our first thought goes to the popular phrase “9 to 5”. This, however, no longer holds true. With flexible work timings, most employees are given a certain amount of hours they have to complete each week. So, if you are not a morning person, you can start your work later in the day and vice versa. This new system allows you to work whenever you’re most productive!
How to be Professional
What you need to watch out for here, are the core hours during which your company needs you to work. These hours could include meetings, client visits, etc. Even though you are given the choice to pick your own timings, make sure you plan your day around these core hours so you don’t end up putting your company at a disadvantage.
3. Perks of Coming to Work
What’s New
To make offices employee-friendly, a lot of companies are including break rooms and wellness centres in their offices. Don’t be surprised if you find an odd pool table in the office. Since you spend most of your time at work, offices are trying hard to make it a more comfortable and attractive place for you.
How to be Professional
Everyone needs a break once in a while to refresh their minds. But, don’t just spend most of your time in the breakroom or chatting someone up in the cafeteria. Make sure you plan your breaks on a need basis. Also, if you’re allowed to listen to music at work, be considerate of others and make sure you use earphones or play your music at an acceptable volume.
4. Feedback: Now a Two-way Street
What’s New
Most offices these days keep communication channels open so any employee can present their ideas, or voice their opinion about something. This allows for both the manager and the employees to know whether they are on the same page and aligned towards the same goal.
How to be Professional
That said, when you’re talking to your superiors or even your colleagues, maintain a certain level of decorum in your communication. Even if they are your friends, it is common courtesy to be polite in the workplace. Also, when you are considerate of others while you speak, you are more likely to be heard out and taken seriously.
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5. Employees Rock Casuals
What’s New
One of the most radical changes to most workplaces is the dress code. Gone are the days where you had to wear a crisp shirt and trousers. Today, you grab a pair of jeans or a dress and you are ready for work!
How to be Professional
Although most companies have relaxed dress codes, you need to make sure you’re appropriately dressed for work. When you’re picking out an outfit, ask yourself if you would wear this to a beach or a club. If the answer is yes, ditch it. Also, make sure you don’t wear inappropriate graphic tee shirts or leisure-wear to work.
A lot has changed over the years. However, the essence of the workplace has and will always remain the same. The true test in the new-age workplace is to strike the right balance between professionalism and comfort.
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