How to celebrate National Business Etiquette Week

What is National Business Etiquette Week?

National Business Etiquette Week is a timely reminder of the importance of good manners and professional conduct in the workplace.

Understanding and practicing proper business etiquette enhances workplace interactions and contributes significantly to personal and organizational success. National Business Etiquette Week offers businesses an excellent opportunity to focus on fostering a culture of respect and professionalism. 

This blog post was updated on October 11, 2024 and now features dates for 2025.

When is National Business Etiquette Week?

National Business Etiquette Week is celebrated annually in the second full week of June. In 2025, National Business Etiquette Week is June 2-6.

What is business etiquette?

Business etiquette refers to the set of professional behaviors and norms that are considered appropriate and respectful in a workplace setting.

Business etiquette encompasses a variety of conduct, from communication and attire to meeting manners and digital correspondence. At its core, business etiquette ensures that workplace interactions are conducted consistently and respectfully, facilitating a positive work environment for everyone involved.

Here are some critical components of business etiquette:

1. Communication skills

Effective communication is the cornerstone of good business etiquette. This includes speaking clearly and politely and being a good listener. Considering others' ideas and perspectives is essential for communication, regardless of one’s position within the company.

2. Professionalism

Maintaining a professional demeanor involves being punctual, reliable and responsible. Professionalism also extends to personal appearance and maintaining a clean and organized workspace.

3. Respect for others

Respect in the workplace encompasses acknowledging and valuing coworkers' rights and beliefs, regardless of their rank or position. Respect means treating everyone fairly and courteously and ensuring everyone feels included and valued. Respect should foster a culture of belonging, resulting in a collaborative and supportive work environment that enhances productivity and promotes a culture of mutual trust and understanding.

4. Digital communication etiquette

In today’s digital age, much of our business communication is digital, including email, messaging platforms like Slack, social media and texting. Proper etiquette in digital communication is crucial and includes responding promptly, using polite language and maintaining an appropriate tone.

5. Meeting etiquette

Meetings are a fundamental aspect of business, and good etiquette is vital for both in-person and virtual meetings. Meeting etiquette involves arriving on time, being prepared and being attentive.

Why focus on business etiquette?

In the fast-paced and diverse environments that characterize today’s workplaces, etiquette is more crucial than ever. Proper business etiquette helps in the following:

• Building respectful interactions: Maintaining a respectful tone in communications and interactions creates a positive workplace atmosphere.
• Enhancing professional image: Employees who adhere to etiquette norms are often perceived as more professional and competent.
• Facilitating communication: Clear and polite communication reduces misunderstandings and fosters efficiency.
• Creating a positive work environment: A culture that values courtesy and respect contributes to employee satisfaction and retention.

5 ways to celebrate National Business Etiquette Week in your organization

Here are five strategies to celebrate National Business Etiquette Week and reinforce the importance of professional manners in your organization:

1. Conduct etiquette training sessions

Organize workshops or training sessions to refresh employees on business etiquette fundamentals such as communication skills, email etiquette, meeting conduct and appropriate social media behaviors.

2. Recognize courteous behaviors

Implement a program to recognize and reward employees who consistently demonstrate exemplary etiquette. Recognition boosts morale and encourages others to follow suit.

3. Review + update your company’s etiquette policies

Use National Business Etiquette Week to review your organization's etiquette guidelines. Ensure they are up to date and reflective of current best practices and inclusivity standards.

4. Promote etiquette resources

Distribute resources such as articles, tip sheets and videos that provide etiquette advice tailored to various workplace scenarios.

5. Host a Q&A session

Arrange a session with a business etiquette expert who can answer specific questions and provide insights tailored to your organization’s needs. This Q&A session can be part of broader business foundations training to ensure your team learns the principles of business etiquette and understands how to apply them in everyday professional interactions.

National Business Etiquette Week is just a yearly observance, but business etiquette is a year-round endeavor vital to maintaining a respectful and professional workplace culture. Organizations can significantly improve operational efficiency and workplace harmony by investing in etiquette education and awareness. Let this week serve as a springboard for year-round etiquette practices that contribute to your success and growth.

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