While sitting at a restaurant within earshot, I overheard a conversation between two ladies. One of them was very emotional.

“I don’t like what she said to me.”

“What did she say?” asked the other lady.

“Come to think of it, it’s not what she said.”

“Oh?”

“It’s how she said it. The tone of her voice wasn’t nice at all. It was hurtful. I almost burst into tears but I didn’t want to give her the satisfaction of knowing that she had hurt my feelings.”

“I’m sorry.” said the other lady.

“I don’t even want to go to work tomorrow.”

It was sad to hear someone contemplating not going to work the next day because of how she had been treated by a colleague. This conversation made me wonder how much thought we put into the relationships we have with the people we encounter in our workspaces.

It is true that most people who work outside their homes spend more awake hours within a five-day workweek at work than they do at home.

This means that we spend more conscious time with colleagues than we do with our friends or families. We choose our friends and spouses, but for most of us, we don’t get to choose who we work with.

This conversation I overheard is not typical for everyone. Thankfully, there are many people who have great relationships at work, and always look forward to spending time with colleagues. Perhaps this is because they apply some “healthy workplace” rules of etiquette. See if any of these apply to you?

Do you recognize that co-workers come together for a common goal, and that they each bring different talents that help to achieve those goals?

Are you mindful of your tone when interacting with others?
When working on a project or while in meetings, and conflicting views or issues arise, do you steer clear of making them personal or criticize colleagues?
Are you careful not to create or share rumours, and avoid talking behind someone’s back?

When one of your colleagues is struggling with a task (especially new employees), do you help them out as much as you can while remembering that you were once in their shoes?
If you are a new employee in a company do you familiarize yourself with company policies and adhere to them?
Do you address your boss as “Mr Smith” or “Ms Richardson” until you are invited to address them otherwise?

Sometimes company managers take their employees out for dinner, a party or sports event. Are you careful not to be too chummy with the boss the next day simply because you got to spend time together outside of work?

If you have worked on a project with others, especially if you took the lead, are you mindful of them verbally to ensure higher-ups not think you did it all by yourself?

Treating our colleagues, as we would like to be treated creates enjoyable work environments for them and us. Maintaining company order provides the structure necessary for growth. Few ever do it alone, so share the credit.