Workplace Etiquette
What is Workplace Etiquette?
Etiquette can be defined as "The customs or rules governing behaviour regarded as correct or acceptable in social or official life".
As with any workplace, the Traineeship Program stipulates a set of protocols for how trainees should behave and present themselves. These are comprehensively described in the ICT Trainee Role Description as well as the ICT Trainee Induction Document (see resources section), but are summarised here for quick reference.
Why is it important?
Displaying proper workplace etiquette is a show of respect to oneself and one's co-workers. It gives others the impression that you are an enthusiastic, professional member of your workplace.
For trainees, this is particularly important. Young people starting their careers are especially prone to association with negative stereotypes, and judgement on appearance rather than performance. Overcoming this is certainly one of the main challenges that trainees contend with.
How should I dress?
As the old adage goes, "you never get a second chance to make a first impression", and almost always your first impression will be based on your appearance.
See Appearance Guidelines in a Business Environment in the resource section for comprehensive guidelines on recommended attire and grooming in the workplace.
How should I interact with staff?
After your appearance, how you interact with others will most affect how you are perceived in the workplace. Below are some basic tips which will assist you in appearing reliable and professional:
Keep people informed - Staff will appreciate being kept in the loop about issues/jobs relevant to them, whether it be about the completion of jobs or general updates. This also shows that you are trustworthy with technical matters.
Use manners wherever appropriate - "Please", "Thank you", asking permission, etc.
Show patience - Do not interrupt someone even if it will lead to a faster resolution or you disagree with what is said.
Display empathy - You will be more trusted with handling technical issues if you can show a personal investment in finding a resolution.
Smile - A smile on your face makes you more approachable, and you will find staff more friendly in your interactions.
Be social but also professional - While working at a school for a while you will develop relationships with your colleagues, but professional boundaries should be established.
Practice active listening - Communicate effectively by paying attention, asking relevant questions and repeating back what you have discussed.
What else should I watch out for?
There are other points to be aware of:
Course work- All work to complete for your studies is to be done in your own time. There is no entitlement for time to be spent on this during the working day as it distracts from the productivity of your school support.
Social Media - Trainees are not to be on social media during work hours. This includes things like Facebook, Snapchat, FaceTime or constant messaging. Not only does it distract from work, but it also communicates to staff a lack of interest in working and untrustworthiness in completing jobs in a timely manner.
Availability - Being in a support role, one of the core responsibilities of trainees is your availability to clients. It is not acceptable to 'camp' in an office and wait for staff to seek you directly about jobs. The successful trainee will regularly survey their schools and seek staff out to look for jobs.
Initiative - Trainees should never be in a situation where there is no work for them to complete. Whether it is general device maintenance or finding new ways for staff to utilise technology, there is always something that to be done. Being able to operate under this principle is an excellent show of initiative likely to be noticed by staff/supervisors.