It’s wild how quickly we forgot the basics of office life, isn’t it?
Since the big return to the office, we’ve seen everything from forgotten deodorant to people taking conference calls on speaker. And don’t get us started on the state of the shared kitchen after lunch …
Here at Evolve Document Solutions, we’ve worked with hundreds of offices across the UK to install and maintain printers, copiers and document systems. So we’re in and out of all sorts of workplaces – from buzzing design agencies to quiet law firms – and if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s this: good office etiquette matters.
It’s not about being uptight. It’s about creating a place where people can actually work well together – without tiptoeing around each other or muting their personalities.
Whether you’re new to office life or just rusty after years of home-working, here’s our take on what good etiquette looks like – and how to help your team genuinely stick to it.
What Is Office Etiquette, Really?
At its core, office etiquette is just about being a decent human being in a shared space. It covers how we speak to each other, how we use communal resources (like that precious paper tray), and how we manage time, noise, and boundaries.
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being aware.
Done well, it creates a work environment where people feel respected, heard, and not silently fuming because someone microwaved fish again.
The 17 Rules of Office Etiquette (That Actually Make a Difference)
We’ve seen the good, the bad, and the “did-they-just-do-that?” of office behaviour. So here’s the list we wish every company would print out and stick on the wall:
- Be on time – Meetings, start times, deadlines… they all matter.
- Dress like you mean it – Even if it’s casual, make an effort.
- Respect others – Sounds basic, but it’s the foundation of everything.
- Say hello – A simple “morning” can completely shift the mood.
- Be prepared for meetings – No one likes a last-minute rambler.
- Communicate your availability – Especially if you’re WFH part-time.
- Loop in remote colleagues – Don’t leave them out of the action.
- Avoid knee-jerk comments – “That’s a terrible idea” is not feedback.
- Watch your body language – Eye rolls are louder than words.
- Use shared stuff properly – From kettles to printers, be thoughtful.
- Respect personal space – Especially in open-plan offices.
- No gossiping – Save the drama for Love Island.
- Keep sensitive info secure – Lock drawers, log off, be careful.
- Help others when you can – It makes a big difference.
- Stay home if you’re ill – Please. We beg you.
- Tidy up after yourself – Your desk, the kitchen, all of it.
- Mind smells – Food, perfume, body odour… be considerate.
If you’ve worked in an office, you’ve probably seen at least five of these broken. Possibly all in the same week.
The Dos and Don’ts in One Quick Hit
✅ DO
- Greet people
- Arrive on time
- Dress appropriately
- Keep your workspace clean
- Communicate clearly and respectfully
- Include remote colleagues
- Step in to help where you can
❌ DON’T
- Gossip or talk behind people’s backs
- Hog meeting rooms or communal spaces
- Microwave fish (seriously)
- Leave your dirty mugs in the sink
- Share personal info without permission
- Slam doors, sigh loudly, or roll your eyes
- Assume others are “just being difficult” – ask first
Can You Actually Train People in Office Etiquette?
You absolutely can. In fact, you should.
We’re not just speaking as a bunch of copier engineers. We’ve watched companies thrive when they take this stuff seriously – and fall apart when they don’t.
Here’s what we recommend based on what we’ve seen working on the ground:
Use Your Office Space as a Silent Teacher
The way your office is set up can do half the job for you.
- Use signs – Friendly nudges like “Please wash your mug” or “Leave this room tidy” really do help.
- Label things – Printers, storage, supplies… remove the guesswork.
- Send regular etiquette tips on Slack or Teams – A weekly message like “Reminder: book meeting rooms in advance” works wonders.
One of our clients put up a tiny sign next to the copier saying “Take your originals – your colleagues aren’t psychic” and it actually cut down on abandoned documents. Sometimes it’s the small stuff.
Use Training Platforms for Consistent Learning
If you want to build a culture, not just fix bad habits, proper training is the way to go.
We’ve seen companies use platforms like TalentLMS to run short, snappy courses on:
- Email and meeting etiquette
- Conflict resolution
- Communication for hybrid teams
- Respect and inclusion in the workplace
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. There are loads of ready-made modules out there that you can roll into your onboarding or quarterly training.
And the best bit? Everyone gets the same message, which means fewer awkward conversations later.
Why It Matters More Than Ever
Hybrid working’s thrown everyone a bit off balance. Some folks haven’t worked in an office since 2019. Others are brand new to full-time jobs. The result? A weird mix of habits, expectations, and misunderstandings.
But here’s the thing: when people understand what’s expected, and those expectations are fair and consistent, everything runs smoother.
Productivity goes up. Drama goes down. And people actually enjoy being at work.
Final Thoughts from the Team at Evolve
We’ve been supporting UK offices for over a decade, and while we’re known for document solutions, what we’re really about is making your office a place people want to be.
Whether we’re sorting out your print setup or just having a chat with your receptionist, we see the human side of office life every day. And from where we’re standing? Good etiquette makes all the difference.
If you’re thinking about rolling out a few etiquette reminders or creating a proper training programme, go for it. It’s one of the simplest, most effective ways to boost morale, teamwork, and sanity.
And hey, if you ever want to chat about how office printers fit into all this (hint: they do), we’re here. Just please don’t press copy twenty times if it doesn’t work the first time.
About Evolve Document Solutions We’re a photocopier leasing company based in the North West, supporting hundreds of UK businesses with smart print solutions and honest advice. We see real offices in action every day – which means our insights don’t come from theory, but from experience.
Want a smoother, saner office? We can help with that – starting with your printer… and maybe a sign or two for the break room.
