Although I haven't been long enough in the business world, I have seen different types of co-workers and employees. And sadly, most of them really doesn't know any work etiquette.
What is work etiquette?
It is doing your responsibility as an employee. As an employee your number one priority is doing whatever your boss hires you to do. If your not hired to play games or surf the net then don't do it during office hours! If you have nothing else to do then take the initiative to look for what needs to be done. In every office, there is always something that needs to be done. It never runs out unless business is really shutting down--even during those times there are still things left to do. I had this one officemate I am proud to talk about. He reads books during idle time. He doesn't know 3D modeling so he focuses on it practicing it during his free time. After a few months he already developed a lot of new skills. So he's a more capable and efficient CAD operator. The boss would recognize that. There might not be a prize but he showed that he's a better draftsman and he could request for higher pay. Self-improvement is basically for your own benefit. So where does the thinking 'I don't want to improve' came from?? Doesn't everybody wants to improve?
Because you're an employee, number one person you need to give your respect is your boss, then the client. If you do not have respect for your boss, why are you working for him? The boss is the leader and he's the one giving directions how the whole company would go for what has been envisioned. If an employee doesn't share the company's vision, what is he doing there? The nearest I could guess is he's a spy... from another company! I know a lot who's been working for their own interest. They are usually the ones hindering the company's growth. They don't see that they are one of the major entities that are directly affected from the company's slow growth. Why were they hired in the first place? Maybe they fooled the boss with their flowery words about learning and flattered him how much they would want to take part in his very good company. I don't really know. What I know is, if you're the one who applied [maybe even beg for a position in the company] you ought to respect the one who hired you. That means listening to his compliments and criticisms. A good boss usually lets you know the things you need to improve. Don't take them personally. It's just work. If you let emotions get the best of you, you might hold grudges and ruin working relationships. That would make you very inefficient.
Attendance is one of the important things in a workplace. If you have a lot of absences and lates, that is like shouting "I'm not interested in my job!" And if you intend not to come in for a day. It is your duty to inform your boss that you'll be late or you're not coming in with reasons. Whatever the reason, there is no excuse to be unable to inform him of your absence--unless you're really incapacitated. Especially if he has a number for each phone service provider in your locale plus he has fax and email. You should feel ashamed if you will just wait when he asks. That's really a bad manner. Before, that could be grounds for cessante. If you're leaving for good, then it is just right to at least write a formal letter of resignation and give it to your boss at least 4 weeks before the effective date. Wasn't this taught in school??
About conversations with your boss, it's just right to give your opinion if he asks for it. That's your chance to really tell him what you think. I've seen a lot of co-workers who complains a lot. But when the boss asks them what's wrong, they would stay silent. Why don't you have a courage to tell him what you have been shouting behind his back?? He is so busy and might not be around the office most of the time. How could you expect him to read your mind or just guess everything?? Present to your boss whatever problems he needs to know. But for every problem you should also suggest a solution.
Now one more important thing is about compensation. It's true sometimes were not well-compensated. We feel we've been working our butts out--sitting in that office chair for hours and hours, squeezing your brains 'til they hurt. The best way to approach the boss about a raise is to prove to him first why he should give you a raise. Have you developed your way to become an asset to the company? Do you have heavier work loads than before? If you're inexperienced and new, then don't expect you get a high pay--yet. That is why you should improve yourself. Why would you complain about your pay when the company is paying the expense to train you? Don't you think you should be more thankful because you were hired to get trained?
I believe in this quote:
There are no menial jobs, only menial attitudes. --William Bennett
And I know this quote is true:
“I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.” --Charles Swindoll
So work on whatever bad attitude you have with your job. If not, it's your loss.
