• Workplace policies can make the office a productive and comfortable environment.office desktop image by Victor M. from Fotolia.com
  
  Offices and other workplaces can be productive spaces where teams of employees focus on shared tasks. However, a lack of basic workplace etiquette can make the office an uncomfortable or even dangerous place. Everyone who works in an office should follow company policies while always using common sense in dealing with other people.
  
  

Ask before Borrowing

• One of the simplest requirements for workplace behavior is asking before borrowing anyone's personal property or company property that another individual is using. Borrowing items without asking can lead to lost supplies or resentment. In addition, it may breed a general lack of respect for property. Make copies of paperwork you borrow to avoid keeping it for a length of time and preventing others from accessing the information if they need it.
  
  

Use Careful Language

• Language is an important part of workplace behavior. Besides avoiding obscenities, it's also important to consider the subject of your conversation. A friendly discussion of personal issues may offend or embarrass a co-worker. Some casual conversations may even qualify as sexual harassment if they make the person who overhears them uncomfortable. This doesn't mean you can only talk about work, but learning to think before you speak is essential to any collaborative workplace.
  
  

Keep Clean

• An office is a shared space, and every employee needs to do her part to keep the space clean and safe. Always pick up your own messes and wash any dishes in the common dining area. Keeping your workspace clean and organized will not only give the office a better overall appearance but also prevent your items from cluttering the surrounding area and encroaching on other people's personal spaces.
  
  

Manage Phones

• Ringing phones and other sounds can make an office seem like an emergency zone. Silence your phones whenever you're away from your desk, or carry your cell phone with you so you can answer it promptly. The same holds true for email notifications and other computer sound effects. Get in the habit of using the mute function on your computer to keep your space quiet and allow others to focus on their own work.
  
  

Respect the Clock

• Be aware that your own schedule is only one part of the office's time system. Be on time every morning, and always try to arrive early for appointments with colleagues or larger group meetings. Running late can cost productivity and give you the appearance of someone whose commitment to shared tasks is lacking. In addition, stay until a reasonable hour and don't leave early on a consistent basis. Instead, find additional work or ask others if they need assistance with last-minute chores.