In today’s modern work environment, it’s easy to get caught up in the convenience of working from home or wearing pajamas to work. However, no matter what job you have, it’s important to always maintain a high level of professionalism in order to succeed in the workplace. This not only helps you gain the respect of your coworkers and boss, but it can also lead to promotions and other opportunities.

Here are nine tips to help you be more professional in the workplace:

1. Consider the Dress Code

While most workplaces have a dress code, it’s always a good idea to dress above the standard, within reason. For example, if the dress code requires pants and a collared shirt, consider wearing suit pants and a dress shirt, or even adding a tie or suit jacket. This shows respect for the company and can make you stand out in a positive way.

For women, it’s important to honor the dress code but also to speak to your boss if you prefer dress pants over a dress or skirt. Most companies are flexible with dress code and it never hurts to ask.

2. Work More Than the Minimum Hours

To show your passion for your job, consider working longer hours than the minimum required. Even adding an extra ten or twenty minutes to your day can make a difference. Arriving before the required start time and leaving after the required end time will show that you’re not just watching the clock and are invested in improving your job.

When working longer hours, don’t spend a lot of time sitting idly. Stay productive and focus on important tasks to create an even better impression.

3. Maintain a Professional Attitude

Being professional is not just about arriving on time and dressing appropriately, it’s also about how you act. Avoid using offensive jokes or stories about drinking and make sure to keep your focus on work while you’re there.

Additionally, try not to talk down to your coworkers. If you feel they could improve or be more professional, suggest this in a respectful way or even through a professionally written email.

4. Arrive on Time to Meetings

Arriving on time to meetings shows respect for your coworkers and the importance of the meeting. Take into account any travel time you need and arrive a few minutes early to get set up without disturbing others.

This also applies to online meetings. If a call is scheduled for a certain time, enter the platform a few minutes early to show your respect and enthusiasm.

5. Separate Personal Time and Work Time

While we all have things happening outside of work, it’s important to keep them separate from work as much as possible. If you need to make a personal call, step away from your desk. Limit personal internet browsing and try not to get on social media during the day.

Remember, your work space is for work and any personal tasks should be done outside of the office, if possible.

6. Consider Your Personal Grooming

Your personal grooming can affect how you are perceived at work. Men should strive to be either clean shaven or have a maintained beard, and keeping short hair is recommended. For women, basic makeup and neat hair are usually appropriate.

While workplaces may be more relaxed about certain things such as hair length or tattoos, it’s still important to maintain a professional appearance.

7. Have a Professional Phone Greeting

Your phone greeting is the first impression someone has of you when they call. Use a professional greeting that includes your name and a greeting. This shows that you respect the person calling and are ready to have a professional conversation.

When making calls, also start with a greeting and add a reason for the call.

8. Use an Appropriate Email Signature

Your email signature should be professional and effective. Include your name, job title, and contact information such as email and phone number.

9. Take Responsibility for Your Mistakes

Mistakes happen, but it’s important to take responsibility for them and learn from them. Don’t make excuses or blame someone else. Instead, come up with a plan to fix the mistake and make sure it doesn’t happen again in the future.

Conclusion

A high level of professionalism in the workplace can help you gain respect from your coworkers and boss, and even lead to promotions and other opportunities. By considering the dress code, working more than the minimum hours, maintaining a professional attitude, arriving on time to meetings, separating personal and work time, considering personal grooming, having a professional phone greeting and email signature, and taking responsibility for mistakes, you can improve your level of professionalism and success in the workplace.