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The Resurgence of Business Etiquette Training in a Post-Pandemic World

As organizations navigate the new normal of work after the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of business etiquette has come back into focus. With the mass shift to remote work and the subsequent transition back to hybrid and in-person models, employees are finding themselves in unfamiliar social landscapes, necessitating a renewed emphasis on workplace etiquette. 

A 2023 ResumeBuilder.com survey revealed:

  • 45 percent of companies started offering etiquette classes to their employees that year, and 20 percent more planned to offer them in the future.
  • Two-thirds of those offering such classes in 2023 said they were “highly” successful.
  • Among companies offering etiquette classes, 60 percent say they will require all employees to participate.
  • When asked which skills will be covered in the etiquette classes, ‘making polite conversation’ was the most frequently selected at 78 percent, followed by ‘dressing professionally’ (75 percent) and ‘writing professional emails’ (69 percent).

Let’s look at the reasons behind this trend, its impact on employees, and the best practices that can guide professional behavior in today’s workplace.

A person sitting at a desk, in a virtual meeting with several people shown on computer monitor. Text under image reads: “The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly increased the demand for office etiquette training. Employees have had to adapt to new ways of interacting with colleagues as a result of the shift to remote work and reliance on digital communication.” - Young Pham, Co-Founder and Financial Advisor, Bizreport

What Sparked the Need for Business Etiquette Training?

The COVID-19 lockdowns disrupted traditional work environments, causing significant changes in how employees interact with each other. For many, the remote work model eliminated face-to-face interactions, leading to a decline in social cues and professional norms that had been ingrained in the workplace. This gap in interpersonal skills became evident as businesses began transitioning back to the office.

Several factors contributed to the rise in business etiquette training:

  • The Shift to Remote Work: Many employees spent extended periods working from home, which impacted their communication styles and social behaviors. Virtual meetings replaced in-person interactions, often resulting in a more casual approach to professional decorum. This shift made some employees feel disconnected from traditional workplace etiquette, necessitating a refresher.
  • Diverse Work Environments: As organizations adopt hybrid models, employees must navigate both in-office and remote work etiquette. With team members working in various locations, understanding how to interact appropriately in different settings has become crucial.
  • Generational Changes: The workforce is now composed of multiple generations, each with its own understanding of workplace behavior. Younger employees, who may not have had extensive professional experience, might be unfamiliar with established etiquette norms, creating a need for training.
  • Mental Health and Workplace Culture: The pandemic took a toll on mental health, leading to increased sensitivity in workplace interactions. Organizations are recognizing the need for training that fosters a respectful and inclusive culture, where employees feel safe and valued.

Two smiling young people in an office looking at a computer. Text under image reads: “Gen Z candidates never had the opportunity to learn these skills on-site as their experience in college or entry-level positions was remote due to the pandemic. As our survey shows, companies are now understanding that Gen Z employees lack these skills and need training from day one to accelerate their learning curve and quickly adapt to an in-office environment,” Stacie Haller, Chief Career Adviser, ResumeBuilder.com

Who Does It Mostly Affect?

While the need for business etiquette training is universal, certain groups are more affected:

  • New Employees: Those entering the workforce or transitioning into new roles often lack the experience to navigate professional environments effectively. Business etiquette training helps them understand expectations and build confidence in their interactions.
  • Managers and Leaders: As leaders set the tone for workplace culture, they play a crucial role in modeling proper etiquette. Training equips them with the skills to foster a respectful environment and guide their teams in professional interactions.
  • Remote Workers: Employees who primarily work remotely may struggle with the nuances of in-person interactions upon returning to the office. Training can bridge this gap, ensuring they are equipped with the tools to navigate face-to-face communications successfully.

Two smiling people sitting at a desk, looking at a computer. The older one is pointing to something on the monitor. Text under image reads: "Studies show that creating a fun learning environment works for most people, so create a social environment where seasoned team members can mentor and show newbies the ropes." -Ashley Stahl, Career Coach, Author of You Turn  How Are Businesses Dealing with It?

Organizations are adopting various strategies to address the need for business etiquette training:

  • Workshops and Seminars: Many companies are organizing workshops to provide employees with training on proper workplace behavior. These sessions often cover topics such as communication skills, professionalism, and appropriate attire.
  • Online Training Modules: With the rise of remote work, online training platforms have become popular for delivering etiquette training. Employees can engage in self-paced learning, allowing for flexibility in their schedules.
  • Mentorship Programs: Some organizations are implementing mentorship initiatives, pairing seasoned employees with newer staff. This not only fosters professional development but also helps newcomers learn the ropes of workplace etiquette through observation and guidance.
  • Continuous Feedback: Companies are encouraging ongoing conversations about etiquette and behavior in the workplace. By fostering a culture of feedback, employees can learn from each other and continually improve their interactions.

An older person in suit shaking hands with another person in a suit. “If there’s somebody from the baby boomer generation, then they like it when you stand up and shake their hand and show respect. That’s meaningful to them…Whereas another generation wants a text and wants it quick and that’s it. So we talk about the benefits of knowing all the different generations and how they like to be communicated to." -Lisa Richey, Founder, American Academy of Etiquette

Navigating In-Office and Remote Etiquette

In today’s hybrid work environment, business etiquette encompasses both in-office and remote behaviors. Here are some essential considerations for each setting:

In-Office Etiquette
  • Respect Personal Space: With many employees accustomed to working alone, being mindful of personal space and physical boundaries is crucial. This includes respecting others’ workspace and refraining from interrupting them without invitation.
  • Dress Appropriately: As employees return to the office, understanding the company’s dress code and dressing accordingly is vital. Professional attire can set the tone for interactions and demonstrate respect for the workplace.
  • Mind Your Manners: Simple gestures, such as greeting colleagues, saying “please” and “thank you,” and holding doors open, can make a significant difference in fostering a positive atmosphere.
Remote Office Etiquette
  • Be Punctual: In virtual meetings, arriving on time is essential. This demonstrates respect for others’ time and keeps the agenda on track.
  • Use Professional Language: While remote communication may feel more casual, maintaining professionalism in language and tone is crucial. This applies to emails, chats, and video calls.
  • Limit Distractions: When participating in virtual meetings, minimize distractions by finding a quiet space, turning off notifications, and being present. This shows commitment and respect for the discussion.

A person sitting at a desk with her hands on her head while office workers behind her are being loud. Text under image reads: “To be clear, bad behavior didn’t start with the pandemic. There have always been messy kitchens or loquacious colleagues. And to some extent, workers may have gotten used to solitary setups at home and are now less tolerant of typical office distractions such as crunchy chips or co-worker chatter.” -Samantha Masunaga, Staff Writer, Los Angeles Times

Best Practices for Business Etiquette

To cultivate a respectful and professional workplace, consider these best practices:

  • Communication is Key: Keep lines of communication open, whether in-person or virtually. Clear communication can prevent misunderstandings and foster a collaborative environment.
  • Practice Active Listening: Show genuine interest in what others are saying by actively listening. This means giving your full attention, asking questions, and providing feedback.
  • Be Inclusive: Foster a culture of inclusivity by respecting diverse perspectives and encouraging participation from all team members. This creates a more engaging and dynamic workplace.
  • Give Constructive Feedback: When offering feedback, focus on the behavior rather than the person. Use specific examples and encourage open dialogue to create a positive learning experience.
  • Adaptability Matters: Recognize that workplace norms may evolve. Stay adaptable and open to learning about new etiquette practices that emerge as the work environment changes.

Four diverse people smiling while sitting around a computer in an office setting. “In our view, office etiquette training is vital, not only for newbies but for everyone on the team…It fosters a respectful, collaborative work environment. With the pandemic, the shift to remote work definitely threw a curveball, and we did see the need to tweak our etiquette training. Virtual etiquette – like being mindful of time zones, managing video call fatigue, and effective online communication – became crucial.”" - Mike Chappell, Co-Founder and CEO, FormsPal

Final Thoughts

As we move further into the post-pandemic era, the rise of business etiquette training signifies a critical shift in workplace culture. Companies are recognizing that fostering respectful interactions is essential for maintaining a positive work environment, enhancing collaboration, and driving productivity. By prioritizing etiquette training, organizations can equip their employees with the skills they need to navigate the complexities of modern work, whether in-office or remote. In doing so, they lay the foundation for a more cohesive and successful workforce, ultimately contributing to the overall health and success of the organization.

 
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Soft Skills: The Secret Weapon for Career Success

 
Resources

“Half of Companies Give Office Etiquette Classes as Workers Struggle With Appropriate Conversation, Dress.” Resume Builder. 7/11/23. Accessed 11/5/24. https://www.resumebuilder.com/half-of-companies-give-office-etiquette-classes-as-workers-struggle-with-appropriate-conversation-dress 

Masunaga, Samantha. “We don’t know how to behave in the office anymore, bosses say. The solution? Charm school.” Los Angeles Times. 1/16/24. Accessed 11/5/24. https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2024-01-16/back-to-the-office-bosses-are-sending-workers-to-etiquette-class

Stahl, Ashley. “How To Get Gen Z Up To Speed On Workplace Etiquette In A Post Covid-19 World.” Forbes. 8/11/23. Accessed 11/5/24. https://www.forbes.com/sites/ashleystahl/2023/08/11/how-to-get-gen-z-up-to-speed-on-workplace-etiquette-in-a-post-covid-19-world 

 
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