The pandemic has changed the way we work, but also the way we conduct ourselves as professionals – be that virtually or, more recently, in person. Orla McAuliffe outlines the new business etiquette basics we should all be practising.

Since March 2020, we have all gained invaluable yet unwished-for experience in interpreting guidelines, navigating restrictions, and keeping ourselves and those close to us safe in an unprecedented situation. At its core, etiquette is associated with ‘the right thing to do’. During the pandemic, the potential consequences for doing the wrong thing in terms of personal safety, as well as reputation, have never been higher. So, as Ireland continues to open up, it’s important to review the dos and don’ts of socialising in a business environment.

Ask about boundaries

Communication is going to be vital at this stage. It has become second nature to ask others about their mask preferences, distancing needs, and vaccination status. While all are undoubtedly personal questions, asking once will help to avoid any potential awkwardness.

This conversation will look different in different contexts – you may find yourself asking ‘are you comfortable with coming over or would you prefer to meet outside?’ with friends, but the pressing question in professional situations may be, ‘could this meeting be a Zoom call?’

In both situations, your questions will reassure people that you are receptive to their needs and preferences. It is important to note also that people will be at different stages of readiness, and it is down to you to be informed and avoid passing judgement.

Prepping the environment

Once you are informed of other people’s red lines and green lights, you may act accordingly to plan an in-person meeting:

• Make sure the room chosen is large enough for people to relax in, and that it has been visibly and thoroughly cleaned.
• Provide visible sanitiser options. If supplies are provided, make sure they are clearly clean and new, and provide instructions as to whether guests are expected to dispose of them or keep them for repeated use.
• If you are still requesting masks, make sure this is clearly stated.

Remember things are fundamentally different now. I can’t imagine anyone will want to share a communal birthday cake in the office ever again, for instance – so avoid potential conflict by suggesting alternatives right off the bat.

Be a best guest

For guests, your responsibility is for your own safety, but it is still considered correct to follow any guidelines set by your hosts. If a host has sanitiser prominently visible and available, for example, it is appropriate to be seen using it. Declining is no longer the polite option.

Nobody will be offended if you choose to take further precautions for your own reasons, but you should also avoid passing judgement on those who follow the minimum legal requirements or specific requests. Communicate your boundaries clearly and be aware that, in the current climate, everyone understands that health and safety come first.

Nobody wants to be seen to cancel or postpone a meeting, but if you are sick, that is absolutely what you need to do. Polite and prompt notice will always be appreciated, and people will be reassured that the meeting will be safe.

Tracing

Etiquette is fundamentally about doing the right thing for you and for others. For this reason, it may be useful to bring back a visitor book for this transition period. If something does go wrong, it will help enormously when you need to inform people that they may be a close contact.

Anxiety and nervousness

Even for those of us excited about the accelerated reopening, a certain degree of anxiety is entirely understandable. Being visibly organised and engaged when planning to host or attend a meeting will provide important reassurance for people, as well as serving a useful practical purpose.

Equally, as it has been so long since any of us has had regular plans, scheduling meetings again now will be an adjustment for people in and of itself. Provide people with plenty of notice and be clear about the running time, as well as your own adaptations and requirements. Taking these steps will make the whole process easier for everyone.

Orla McAuliffe is the Founder of the Professional Training Centre.