As the world gradually returns to the office following the pandemic, an unexpected trend is emerging: a surge in workplace etiquette training. With COVID-19 restrictions easing and employees returning to physical workspaces, employers are facing a new challenge—many workers seem to have forgotten the norms of office behavior, while others never had the chance to learn them in the first place.
According to a recent survey by Resume Builder, over 60% of businesses are planning to introduce etiquette courses for their staff this year. This spike in demand highlights the urgent need for employees to reacquaint themselves with professional conduct. New York-based consultancy Beaumont Etiquette has witnessed a remarkable 100% increase in training session requests over the past two years, indicating widespread recognition of this issue across various industries.
Common workplace blunders such as noisy phone calls, messy desks, and inappropriate conversations are causing headaches for employers. Challenges also arise in areas like dressing appropriately, navigating emoji use, and even deciding what to wear for virtual meetings. Mary Knoeferl, also known as “Mary the Analyst” online, shared viral TikTok videos offering tips on maintaining professionalism in virtual settings.
The necessity for workplace etiquette training is especially crucial for Gen Z employees entering the workforce. Many of these young professionals missed out on developing essential soft skills during their education and early internships due to pandemic disruptions. Consequently, colleges and universities are increasingly incorporating courses on networking and business etiquette into their curriculum to better prepare students for professional life.
In addition to traditional training sessions, workplace etiquette advice has become popular on social media platforms. From TikTok tutorials to LinkedIn courses, individuals are eager to share their insights and help others navigate office dynamics. This growing online conversation highlights the universal need for guidance in this area, regardless of career stage or industry.
Anne Chertoff, COO of Beaumont Etiquette, stresses the importance of soft skills in the workplace, noting that inappropriate behavior can lead to serious consequences like job loss or demotion. As companies strive to maintain productivity and employee satisfaction in the hybrid work environment, investing in workplace etiquette training is becoming increasingly essential.