Accountemps Survey: Workplace Etiquette Affects Prospects until Reaching the Top

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etiquette affects career prospects According to a new Accountemps survey, more than eight in 10 (85 percent) survey respondents said being courteous to coworkers has an impact on a person’s career prospects. However, 70 percent of workers think people become less courteous as they climb the corporate ladder.

Among the rank and file, open office spaces also may give rise to bad manners. When employees were asked to name the biggest breach of workplace etiquette in this type of office environment, using a speakerphone or talking loudly on the phone topped the list (36 percent); loitering or talking around a colleague’s desk ranked second (23 percent).

When asked, “In your opinion, to what extent does being courteous to coworkers positively impact a person’s career prospects?” 44 percent responded that it can greatly accelerate advancement. Another 41 percent said courteousness if someone important but skills play a larger role and 14 percent said it has no impact at all. Only 21 percent of respondents said that people become more courteous as they climb the corporate ladder.

“Workplace etiquette is about being aware of how your actions affect those around you,” Max Messmer, chairman of. Accountemps, said. “Time constraints and external pressures aren’t excuses for bad behavior. While it takes more than just good manners to rise through the ranks, displaying professional courtesy will only help your career.”

“Open office spaces foster better collaboration, but employees should make sure their actions aren’t keeping others from doing their jobs,” Messmer added.

By Joshua Bjerke