Has Remote Work Killed Manners?
It all begins with an idea.
Remote work has certainly changed the way we work, but has it also changed the way we behave? It seems that the etiquette we once considered essential in a professional setting has started to fade, especially in virtual environments. While there’s no doubt that remote work has its perks—flexibility, less commute time, and more personal freedom—there's one thing that seems to be vanishing: good manners.
The Disappearing "Good Morning"
Remember when walking into the office came with a wave of greetings? A cheery "Good morning!" was the standard way to start the day. In remote work, with Slack, Teams, or Zoom calls replacing face-to-face interaction, those pleasantries often fall by the wayside. People dive straight into business, skipping the small but significant social cues that build rapport.
It might seem trivial, but those simple greetings go a long way in fostering a sense of community and connection. Without them, teams can begin to feel disjointed. You may start to feel like you're not working with people but just collaborating with icons on a screen.
Communication Tool Chaos
Speaking of tools like Slack, while they’re designed to streamline communication, they’ve inadvertently opened the door to some less-than-professional behaviors. How many times have you sent a message that went unanswered? Or maybe you've experienced the dreaded one-word response when the situation calls for more effort.
What about thanking someone for their help or feedback? In a physical office, you might say “thank you” as you pass someone's desk, but in a remote setting, that gratitude often goes unsaid—or untyped. This lack of acknowledgment can make colleagues feel undervalued, which chips away at the positive dynamics within a team.
Ignoring messages or delivering curt, abrupt replies signals a lack of respect for your colleagues’ time and contributions. Over time, this erodes trust and can even lead to resentment. It’s surprising how much can be communicated through tone, even in short text exchanges, and ignoring these nuances can harm working relationships.
Professionalism in Meetings? Zoomed Out!
Virtual meetings, while incredibly convenient, have become notorious for casual—sometimes overly casual—behavior. While working from home, the line between "work you" and "home you" can blur, and that’s showing up in how we present ourselves on Zoom. Maybe it’s the pajamas on the bottom half, or perhaps it’s the tendency to multitask with emails, texts, or even laundry during meetings.
The lack of eye contact, distracted engagement, and camera-off culture during Zoom calls sends a clear message: "I'm here, but not really." This detachment fosters a sense of disconnect among teams and can create a culture where employees don't feel accountable to actively participate. Meetings, when not respected, can become a waste of time, demotivating teams and hindering productivity.
The Impact on Company Culture
The ripple effect of these behaviors on company culture is profound. Manners, professionalism, and etiquette form the foundation of any workplace culture. Without them, the trust and mutual respect that hold teams together start to crumble. Remote workers might feel isolated, unappreciated, or less inclined to collaborate.
Without positive reinforcement in communication and meetings, morale can dip. When employees feel unseen or unheard, productivity declines, and retention can become an issue. The lack of etiquette, even in small forms, begins to snowball, leading to larger issues like disengagement, burnout, and eventually turnover.
Best Practices to Avoid Negative Impact
Acknowledge Every Message: It’s easy to ignore messages in a sea of notifications. However, a quick “Got it,” “Thanks,” or even an emoji can go a long way in showing your colleagues that you’re present and responsive.
Make Time for Greetings: Whether it’s a quick “Good morning” in the team chat or a wave in a Zoom call, these small gestures are vital in keeping up professional courtesy. They build a sense of camaraderie, even when working miles apart.
Be Present in Meetings: Show up, and not just physically. Turn on your camera (when possible), be attentive, and engage with your colleagues. If you're multitasking, give your full focus when it's your turn to speak or respond.
Use Communication Tools Thoughtfully: It's tempting to send quick, one-word responses or ignore a message until later. Instead, be mindful of how your responses (or lack thereof) can be interpreted. A simple "I'll get back to you later" shows respect for your colleague’s time.
Set the Tone for Positive Interaction: Leaders and managers should set an example. Start meetings with a warm greeting, encourage engagement, and be consistent in modeling the type of interaction you expect from the team.