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Workplace etiquette: Opposing views

May 28, 2015

Managers view etiquette problems differently than employees do, according to a survey released today by Accountemps, a division of Robert Half International Inc. (NYSE: RHI).

CFOs ranked being distracted during meetings as the most common civility culprit, cited by 27% of CFOs. Workers, on the other hand, pointed to gossiping about colleagues as the most prevalent breach of workplace etiquette, cited by 28% of survey participants.

CFOs and workers were asked, “Which one of the following is the most common breach of workplace etiquette committed by your staff/coworkers?”

  • Being distracted during meetings (e.g., checking a smartphone, writing emails): CFOs, 27%; workers, 16%
  • Gossiping about others in the office: CFOs, 18%; workers, 28%
  • Not responding to calls or emails in a timely way: CFOs, 18%; workers, 21%
  • Running late to or missing meetings: CFOs, 12%; workers, 12%
  • Not crediting others when appropriate: CFOs, 6%; workers, 12%
  • Criticizing others publicly: CFOs, 5%; workers, 11%
  • Staff members do not commit etiquette breaches: CFOs, 11%; workers, 0%
  • Don't know: CFOs, 2%; workers, 0%

“The results show managers might not have a full understanding of how widespread gossip is at work,” said Bill Driscoll, a district president of Accountemps. “Likewise, workers may not be aware that their bosses notice distracted behavior during meetings.

“Most jobs today require teamwork and strong collaboration skills, and that means following the unwritten rules of office protocol,” Driscoll added, “Poor workplace etiquette demonstrates a lack of consideration for coworkers.”

The survey was developed by Accountemps and conducted by an independent research firm. It included responses from more than 2,100 CFOs from companies in more than 20 of the largest US metropolitan areas.