Call it civility, good manners, or etiquette.  Whatever you name it,  we seem to be in short supply these days, everywhere, including the workplace.  This is a shame, because I think civility and courtesy contribute to employee satisfaction and engagement, and can reduce turnover and workplace conflict.  AND it costs nothing.  So I’ve come up with 4 -obvious but overlooked- ways in which we can all be more civil.  Please copy, share and hang on the fridge.

Say Hello – Greet other people.  Regardless of status, it’s good to acknowledge the presence of another human being.  You don’t have to stop what you’re doing, it doesn’t have to be vocal, or be an interruption, you can simply make eye contact, nod your head, lift your hand from the keyboard, flash a quick smile as you walk by. We are social animals, and a greeting openly establishes awareness of the other.  “I see you”.

Say Goodbye –  Again, overlooked but important.  If you’ve ever been surprised after realizing that someone you thought was around, is actually gone,  you’ll understand why.   Put simply, it’s considerate to let others’ know you’re leaving.  Especially at the end of a workday.  A short  “Bye”, “I’m Outta Here”, or silent wave, will do it.  It’s effortless, provides closure and gives everyone a last chance to connect if needed.

Say Please – Always, when asking for a favor.   But don’t limit yourself to that.  Saying please is especially courteous when you’re the boss asking someone to do something you know they’ll do anyway.   For example, if a manager tells their assistant “Print 50 of these” it sounds like an order vs. “Please, print 50 of these” which sounds like a request.  Even though the assistant probably has no choice in the matter, they’ll feel better hearing the “please”.  I know I would.  Saying please is a courtesy; it says “I don’t take you for granted”.

Say Thank you – Be generous here, it costs nothing and produces good all around.    Thanking others lets them know you notice them, that you’re registering and acknowledging what they’re doing. You’re recognizing their action, great or small.  Don’t overlook the everyday .  When I have lunch with someone and I notice they take one second as we are talking to thank the person who refills the water glass, that tells me something about them. Say thank you more often.

Do you have little courtesies you’d like to see more of?  Send your ideas.

© Copyright Eva Del Rio

Eva Del Rio is creator of HR Box™ – tools for small businesses and startups. Send questions to Eva@evadelrio.com