In honor of Business Etiquette Week, it’s a great time to remember that professionalism is often about the small habits we practice every day. These leave the strongest impression on coworkers, clients, and job candidates.

Whether you’re running a small business, managing a team, or building your career, these simple etiquette habits can help create a more positive and productive workplace experience for you and everyone around you.

1. Don’t Put People on Speakerphone Without Asking

Few workplace experiences are more uncomfortable than realizing you’ve been placed on speakerphone without warning. Before putting someone on speaker, ask for permission and let them know who else is in the room. It’s a small courtesy that shows respect for privacy and helps build trust.

2. Follow Up After Interviews

For employers and candidates alike, communication matters. Being ghosted isn’t fun for anyone. Candidates appreciate updates after interviews, even if the news isn’t what they hoped for. Likewise, candidates who send a brief thank-you email often stand out for their professionalism and genuine interest.

A simple follow-up demonstrates respect for everyone’s time and effort.

3. Be On Time for Virtual Meetings

Virtual meetings have become a normal part of business, but punctuality still matters. So many of us have tight timelines and packed schedules, showing up 5 or 10 minutes late can throw a big wrench in someone’s schedule. 

Logging in a few minutes early allows time to test your technology and be ready when the meeting starts. This is doubly true if you’re using new-to-you tech. Arriving on time shows that you value the schedules of everyone involved.

4. Think Before You Reply All

The “Reply All” button can be useful, but it can also clutter inboxes and distract busy colleagues. Before responding, consider whether everyone on the email truly needs your message.

If this is one you often do accidentally, consider deciding who you want to reply to and double checking the recipient list BEFORE you start typing. That way you don’t hit ‘reply all’ out of habit each time. 

On the flipside, if the whole team is waiting on your response or decision and you only reply back to the sender, it can leave everyone hanging. Being mindful of communication helps keep projects efficient and focused.

5. Make Introductions Before Getting Down to Business

When meeting with clients, candidates, vendors, or new team members, take a moment to introduce everyone involved before diving into the agenda. Names and positions are often all it takes.

A proper introduction helps people feel welcome, establishes context, and creates a more comfortable environment for productive conversations. If this step gets left out frequently, think about assigning this job to one person, so they know they can always jump in with introductions.

6. Let Others Finish Speaking

In fast-paced workplaces, it’s easy to jump in with ideas or solutions. However, one of the most valuable professional skills is active listening. Allowing others to finish their thoughts shows respect, reduces misunderstandings, and often leads to better collaboration. People are more likely to contribute when they know they’ll be heard. 

Keeping a good old fashion pen and paper next to you can help. You can jot down a few notes on what the speaker is saying to remind yourself that they’re still sharing before it’s your turn again.

7. Send Thank-You Notes When Appropriate

Thank-you notes may seem old-fashioned, but they remain one of the most effective ways to leave a positive impression.

Whether it’s after an interview, a referral, a client meeting, or someone’s extra help on a project, a thoughtful thank-you message reinforces professional relationships and demonstrates appreciation.

Small Habits, Big Results

Business etiquette is about showing respect, consideration, and professionalism in everyday interactions. These small habits can strengthen workplace relationships, improve communication, and help your business put its best foot forward. It can be especially important when you first begin a business relationship. Here are some of our favorite tips for onboarding etiquette when you get a new team member.

At Masiello, we see firsthand how professionalism and strong interpersonal skills can help businesses build successful teams and help job seekers stand out in a competitive market. This Business Etiquette Week, consider choosing one or two of these habits to focus on. You may be surprised by the positive impact.