Since most of us will be returning to the office soon, I thought it might be a good idea to start a thread on office etiquette.
Any pointers for those of us who have never worked in a large office setting?
e.g. where to take personal calls, when it’s ok to leave, etc.
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Bump very curious about this too spent my whole first year interning virtually
1) Many banks have HR induction courses, ask for them if available. Lots of stuff is addressed in those. They normally are required to show you emergency exits, safety rules, and train you for emergencies like medical incidences, natural disasters like earthquakes, or other things like active shooter incidents. If you are in or near secure buildings or areas that are part of government, postal, military, or national infrastructure there is a special HR portal for this.
2) Dress code: same as your boss and others in your team. If there is a dress down Friday or similar, try to participate. All clothing shall be in the best shape, clean, presentable. Same for shoes, ties, coats, jackets, etc.
3) If people are allowed to wear EdT/perfume, do it with caution in small amounts. Same with all other fragrances like aftershave. If anybody around you is allergic to anything at all, the entire team will normally let you know.
4) Personal calls, running errands, meeting friends, external lunch meetings, bringing friends to work, etc - better check with your peers (not boss or higher). Your boss may want to address this in your first 1-2-1 or your will see how others are handling this.
5) Be the best version of yourself and treat others the same way you want to be treated.
6) Have fun at work! Don't be a goofball, but a smile normally wins people over.
Is it poor form to be on your phone or browse the internet in the office if you have nothing to do?
yes. you should pretty much never have none work-related stuff on your screen. you can get away with this a little bit once you are more seasoned and have a strong reputation.
Guess I can't scratch my balls at the office :(
Judging from your username...
bump
If there are associates, VPs, etc. still in the office late at night when you expect to be done for the day / have a few hours of downtime, is it acceptable to leave? Or should I sit around and pretend to have work?
And then I go sit down at my desk and wait for them to leave?
Do not do this. No one thinks "Wow, UnknownGenius is here at 11pm waiting for work, what a grinder" they will just be extremely annoyed you're in the office when you clearly have no work.
Do the work that is assigned, which will be plenty, and no more.
Take naps in the bathroom stall
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