More and more companies are turning to workplace etiquette training as employees come back to the office, carrying habits from their time working remotely. This trend reflects the need for adjusting to the changing work environment. (Image source: iStockphoto/Getty Images via CNN Newsource)
In the wake of the pandemic's easing, companies are facing an unexpected challenge: navigating the return of their workforce to the office. As employees transition back, a startling revelation has emerged - some seem to have forgotten the basic etiquette of office behavior.
The demand for workplace etiquette training has skyrocketed over the past couple of years. With employees carrying over habits from remote work and others lacking experience in professional settings, over 60 percent of companies are planning to implement etiquette courses this year, as per a survey by Resume Builder.
Anne Chertoff, COO of Beaumont Etiquette in New York, notes a 100 percent increase in training requests. She compares it to getting out of practice; habits like leaving dirty dishes or inappropriate use of emojis persist from home to the office environment.
Common workplace faux pas include loud phone calls, messy workspaces, and lengthy emails. Dress code confusion and miscommunication through digital mediums add to the challenges.
Social media platforms like TikTok and LinkedIn are also witnessing a surge in content related to office etiquette, providing tips and tricks for navigating professional environments.
Mary Knoeferl, known as "Mary the Analyst" online, shares her corporate wisdom in a TikTok video, offering advice on handling coworker inquiries and maintaining professionalism.
The need for etiquette training is particularly crucial for Gen Z employees, who may have missed out on traditional workplace experiences due to the pandemic. Colleges and universities are increasingly incorporating such soft skills into their curriculum, understanding their significance in career progression.
Anne Chertoff emphasizes the importance of soft skills, stating that inappropriate behavior in professional settings can lead to severe consequences such as job loss or demotion.
As companies strive to adapt to the hybrid work era, ensuring a harmonious and productive environment remains a top priority, necessitating a renewed focus on workplace etiquette.
