Mind Your Etiquettes...

Whoever says beauty is skin deep, must have forgotten to change its relevant meaning with time. Earlier, no matter what a working mother’s dress sense was or her office etiquettes, priority was given to who possessed right skills with her work profile.

But, time changes; so does office etiquettes. Today, office etiquettes are not only about proper dress sense but also about various factors that a mom must avoid in the office. ‘A woman is’, most men feel, ‘god’s creation who can’t stop talking.’

From Paneer tikka to Politics… the talks are never ending. And if this continuous ‘talk talk’ happens in a workplace, things can become edgy, particularly if it violates the tolerance level of some employees working at the same place.
So, here are few things one needs to keep in mind:
Discussing about the personal life in the office is a strict no. It shows lack of interest towards work. Besides, lack of professionalism crops up and it may cast a wrong impression on the seniors. It’s always better to chat at places like cafeteria or canteen; lunch break is the ideal time to get across to the colleagues. That helps to harmonise working relations as well as doesn’t disturb anyone.

“But, I would say that even here, some kind of restrictions must be administered.” says, Internationally acclaimed Corporate Trainer and Motivational Speaker, Minocher Patel.
Being a professional, one must respect timeliness. It’s a virtue that has a positive impact on a person’s professional life.

Coming late to office spells a bad impression and deprives one from being regarded as professional. Many come late or leave for home early and give excuses that they have a family or a baby to look after. Or keep calling her hubby or children ten times a day, spending most of her day --- this looks unprofessional and people think that there is lack of interest in her. Always keep in mind, if the boss or senior has asked to wait after office hours for some work ---- avoid frowning faces and stop frequent phone calls (it also saves time). Remember, punctuality counts and one has to be perceived as a professional.

A new mom must keep in mind that office will not pay heed to her issues and problems that she faces with the newborn child. This is truly distracting on work front. Either leave the job and take a break or manage to keep ‘care giver’ or nanny for the child. Adds Minocher, “I agree with this, but I have seen certain couple who earn Rs 70 to 80 thousand and still feel that they can’t afford a nanny, because its too expensive. They tend to juggle with baby and work. Is spending Rs 5000 really difficult for them? In foreign countries, people take break from work for their child.”
So, the bottom line is: There will be problems related to the newborn, but never combine it with professionalism. After all there is professional protocol also. Dividing life into compartments is essential.

Dress sense is another problem area that a working mother often faces. Friday is the day where sporting tight jeans and tight t-shirts define comfort (which is untrue). Clothes are either too tight or ill fit to the body. Skin show and transparent dresses is equally distracting. Even in official meetings, proper dress is a must be it Western or Indian formals.

Wear what suits the body and never follow fashion blindly. Avoid a dress that leads to unwarranted attention and could be distracting for others in the workplace. Therefore, explosives stuffs must be avoided for the office and think about area’s sensitivity.