ALIA West

July 2005

Do we take our workplaces for granted?

Do you remember what it was like on the first day of your new job? Were you excited or nervous? Did you get up especially early to make sure your shoes were polished, your outfit clean and pressed. Did you make sure you had everything you needed for the day, change for the bus/parking meter, lunch, bottle of water - just in case they didn't tell you where the kitchen was and you were afraid to ask, note book and pen. Did you check the bus timetable a gazillion times to make sure that you got the right one, or should you get the slightly earlier one just in case there were snarl ups in the traffic and there was no way you were going to be late, not on your first day, not if you could help it.

How long did it take for the novelty to wear off? Two days, two weeks, two months? two hours? Or do you still go to the same trouble today that you did when you first started? If I were to hazard a guess, I would have to say that few people take the same time and trouble to make sure they are properly prepared today as they did when things were just starting out. Of course it could be argued that you know where you are going, which bus gets you there, and where the best places are for lunch. But what happens if there is a delay caused by an accident, do you take the time to contact your employer and let them know you are going to be delayed, or do you just arrive and announce to no one in particular about the shocking state of traffic and you need caffeine. And what about the subtle clues - Do you take the same pride in your appearance that you did when you were first starting out, or did life and boredom get in the way?

Of course you could argue that everyone does the same things, so you may feel justified in your actions and dress standards. My question to you is, if you are doing a little less than you should because you can, and because everyone else does exactly the same thing, why should someone else's actions, behaviours and standards influence yours. Why not raise the standard and get noticed for the right reasons.

Of course what I am talking about is workplace etiquette. Workplace etiquette is more than just eating with the right fork, and not speaking with your mouth full, but your daily interactions with the people that you work with, and the organisation that pays your salary. Most organisations have a professional code of conduct that stipulates working hours, standards of dress and behaviour. When did you last read it? Have you ever read it? If you are not sure where to look, the corporate intranet is a good place to start, or the employee handbook. If the organisation that you work for doesn't have either, then it should be stated on your contract of employment, or contact the HR department, what you read may surprise you.

My challenge for you today is to do a little more than you should, remember:

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.
Frank Outlaw

Lorraine Bradshaw is the marketing and training co-ordinator for Information Enterprises Australia (IEA), a specialist library and records management recruitment agency, consultants and trainers in Western Australia. For permanent staff placements and short-term labour hire solutions.

Information Enterprises Australia also publishes a range of materials, including the Australian record retention manual, F is for filing: a simple guide to managing and storing necessary information for individuals and small business. Lorraine is the author of IEA's free monthly e-zine Information overload, to subscribe send an e-mail (please remove '.nospam' from address) with 'subscribe newsletter' in the subject line.