Debrett’s etiquette expert on rules for working in 2023 – from WFH to the office

An expert in the etiquette bible, Debrett’s, shared the eight rules for working successfully in 2023, including never calling in sick to the office and dressing for the office, even when working from home.

Debrett Etiquette consultant Liz Wyse said that with people “splitting their time between the office and home” it’s clear that the way “we behave at work has changed dramatically” in recent years.

Therefore, it is important to know exactly how to navigate the new world of work.

1. Never go to the office sick

The first rule that Liz highlighted in an etiquette guide in collaboration with polytechnic school is that you should never go to the office when you are sick thinking that you are being stoic or a martyr.

“Don’t fight to get into the office if you have a cough or a cold or something contagious,” he said.

No one will applaud your stoicism.

Instead, he said he should take his “illness seriously” and either take the day off or work from home.

You might think it’s acceptable to wear sweatpants and leggings at home. But Liz said she should always dress for success, whether she’s working from home or in the office (file image)

2. Never eat at meetings

Second, you should never eat during a meeting, whether it’s a digital or face-to-face call.

“Always avoid eating, you don’t want people to focus on what’s in your lunch instead of what you’re saying,” she said.

If you have a meeting at lunchtime, eat before you join.

3. Always dress well

You might think it’s acceptable to wear sweatpants and leggings at home.

But Liz said you should always dress for success, whether you’re working from home or in the office.

“People will always choose to wear more relaxed and comfortable clothing when working from home, but it’s important to be aware of the psychological impact of really letting go,” Liz said.

‘Try to dress as if you were in the room with other meeting attendees.’

4. Stick to video calls

Video calls are now commonplace in workplaces around the world.

But you should never be in motion during a video call, instead you should stay in a fixed position.

“Carrying your device while answering the door or wandering around the office during video calls risks giving your colleagues a bad dose of motion sickness,” Liz said.

Sit back, remove any background clutter, and make sure the ‘set background’ isn’t too chaotic.

5. End calls well

Ending a Zoom call or meeting always has the potential to be awkward.

But instead of just abruptly hitting “end call” when you’re done, Liz recommends that you choose something more “friendly and inclusive.”

“Try saying goodbye to your colleagues to indicate that the call is about to end,” he said.

The etiquette expert warned against multitasking during a meeting, such as looking at your phone, working during a meeting, or reading emails; you shouldn’t get sick either (file image)

6. Don’t multitask

The etiquette expert warned against multitasking during a meeting, such as looking at your phone, working during a meeting, or reading emails.

“It’s very rude to keep working while on a call or looking at your phone,” he said.

“Everyone will realize that your mind is elsewhere, and they will also hear the incriminating noise of your keyboard.”

7. Accept long breaks

If you’re someone who’s always looking to fill a silence in a meeting, you need to stop, Liz said.

She said long breaks are, in fact, an “invaluable way to give people space to speak or speak.”

On the other hand, you should always mute yourself if there is background noise in the office or at home.

8. Beware of deviations

For those who work from home, it’s important to know that your home is full of fun.

“Whether it’s chores, gardening, or visits to the fridge, it’s all too easy to wander around doing jobs or fixing snacks, ultimately distracting you from your work and affecting your productivity,” Liz said.

‘It’s important to compartmentalize work time and leisure time so that you don’t let the world at home influence your work environment.’

He added: “Creating a dedicated physical space for work and adhering to your own work schedule will help you feel focused and productive.”