The Tribune

THERE are some clear ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’ for workplace professionalism that apply universally. No matter how laid back the environment or culture may be, there is a general code of conduct that every business should follow to exhibit these values.

Organisations with strong company values, employee handbooks or policies might give clear standards about what amounts to good behaviour but, really, it should be expected. Professionalism in the workplace is usually learned through experience. 

The problem is that what you learn is dependent on the environment as what works in one place sometimes might not work in another.

Let us take a closer look at what professionalism in the workplace looks like, and why we need to present our best selves when representing employers and working with employees.

What is professionalism in the workplace?

While professional behavior is fundamental to every employee, it also depends on prior experiences, as professionalism is subjective now more than ever. Attitude, interactions with colleagues, the conflict resolution approach to customers, and even dress attire can all tie into how your professionalism is perceived by others. So companies must take professional behaviour seriously. This does not discount a playful personality, as you can still have fun without sacrificing professionalism. However, there have always been long-standing behavioral factors that factor into the universal expectations of employers.

Honouring commitment

If you make a promise, fulfill it. Honour commitments and manage time, and approach each task ahead graciously with much-needed thought.

Engaging with workplace culture

Inter-personal skills are key. Engaging workplace culture helps build inter-personal relationships with employees. Co-workers do not have to be best friends, but a unified workplace sets the tone and makes the undertaking more enjoyable.

Dressing appropriately

Today’s professional attire has become much more relaxed, but maintaining a professional look is an unspoken rule in many offices.

Leave personal matters at the door

At some point, we all would have experienced personal struggles which can easily spill over into the workplace. However, managing your emotions is key to drawing a line between a personal and professional act.

What are unprofessional behaviours at work?  

Ideally, a mature professional team dismisses cliques and drama but, unfortunately, this is not always easy. Understandably, rivalries form and some employees will not get along, so office policies is provoked, which results in hindered productivity. Understanding practical strategies to bypass the drama without provoking either side is a necessity.

Water cooler chats

We all love a water cooler chat, but a balance on work hours and breaks should be considered. Non-work related conversations should be tempered to allow colleagues concentrating on projects and deadline to focus. Ultimately, while some behaviours are unethical and completely unacceptable, some of them can be fixed.

Bullying and discrimination have no place in an office environment - ever. Allowing behaviour that targets someone’s ethnicity or nationality, religion and/or culture, mental disability, educational background or personal life circumstances has no place in a functional workplace.

Effect of lack of professionalism?  

A lack of professionalism in the workplace has a cascading effect that will create a poor working environment, especially if it goes unchecked for a long period.

Mutual respect

Respect should be reciprocal and, at all costs, management should understand the repercussions of not separating friendship from employees.

Engagement or initiative

The lack of motivation or initiative results in zero engagement or minimum effort, prompting employees to show up day after day doing little or nothing within their own self-imposed boundaries. This, unfortunately, leads to employees becoming bored and seeking new opportunities elsewhere.

Strategies to improve professionalism

What can be done to fix it? Unity and respectful behaviour regarding company policies always win. Good examples must be displayed from the top, otherwise some employees will not conform unless forced to by management. By the same token, if you want a professional team, professionalism must lead.

Encourage ownership and accountability

A platform for employee engagement is encouraging as it stimulates a feeling of ownership and accountability. It is not a check box exercise or something to do, as innovation stimulates business integrity. If not done consistently, standards will drop.

In the final analysis, building professionalism into a company’s culture starts from setting the expectation from the first day on the job. This creates the foundation that supports employees for years to come. 

Surely your company’s professional culture should be a living thing that customers and employees see each time they log on or walk through the door. Until we meet again, live life for memories rather than regrets. Enjoy life and stay on top of your game.

NB: Columnist welcomes feedback at deedee21bastian@gmail.com

ABOUT COLUMNIST: Deidre M. Bastian is a graphic designer/brand marketing analyst, international award-winning author and certified life coach.