Bring Your Manners to Work Day: How Courtesy Can Boost Your Career

Each year on the first Friday in September, we celebrate Bring Your Manners to Work Day. When we think of manners, we might be reminded of saying “please” and “thank you,” but Bring Your Manners to Work Day also carries a powerful message about professionalism, workplace culture, and the role that etiquette plays in your career. Here’s how manners and etiquette can have a positive impact on your career.

Why Manners Are Important in the Workplace

Workplace etiquette isn’t just about being polite; it’s about building trust. When you treat people with respect and communicate thoughtfully, colleagues and clients are more likely to collaborate with you, share ideas, and value your input.

Nowadays, emails, instant messages, and video calls often replace face-to-face interactions, which means manners play an even bigger role. Tone can easily be misinterpreted, small missteps can come across as disrespectful, and professionalism can slip in the flurry of constant communication. Practicing good etiquette is how you maintain credibility and foster positive workplace relationships, regardless of your industry or where you are in your career.

For Early-Career Professionals

When you’re just starting out, technical skills may get your foot in the door, but soft skills will often determine how quickly you advance. Manners, in this context, are more than politeness; they’re about professionalism, self-awareness, and respect for others’ time. Here are some simple ways you can leverage etiquette to make a strong impression:

• Respect time and deadlines: Showing up on time to meetings and submitting work when promised signals reliability and will build trust with your managers.
• Practice digital etiquette: Proofread emails before sending, use professional greetings, and avoid over-relying on emojis (yes, seriously) or shorthand in workplace communication.
• Listen actively: Instead of waiting for your turn to speak, focus on what others are saying. This not only demonstrates respect and emotional intelligence but also helps you learn faster.
• Show gratitude: A simple thank-you note after an internship, project, or interview goes a long way in building professional relationships.

If you’re in the first years of your career, practicing good manners is one of the fastest ways to distinguish yourself from peers and set the stage for career growth.

For Experienced Professionals

For mid- and late-career professionals, Bring Your Manners to Work Day is less about learning etiquette and more about practicing it consistently, especially if you’re in a leadership role or you’re looking to move up into leadership.

Younger workers look to experienced professionals not just for expertise but also for how they handle themselves. Leaders who treat employees with respect and who exhibit professional behavior tend to build stronger, more loyal teams. On the other hand, poor manners at the leadership level can quickly damage trust and the overall company culture. If you’re looking to brush up on your workplace etiquette, here are some quick tips:

• Set standards for communication: If you’re in a leadership position (or you’re looking for a promotion), ensure that you write clear, professional emails, come prepared to meetings, and do your best to set a good example.
• Be approachable: Speaking of setting a good example, always do your best to create an environment where people feel comfortable sharing ideas and asking questions.
• Respect boundaries: Be mindful of others’ time and responsibilities when scheduling meetings or asking for help on a project.

Think of workplace etiquette as a way to promote a safe, positive workplace culture, and if you’re in a leadership position, set a good example for everyone around you.

How to Bring Your Manners to Work

It’s important to remember that while Bring Your Manners to Work Day is an annual reminder to use your manners, workplace etiquette is something that should be practiced every day. Making a habit of being pleasant and professional will help to shape your reputation and career trajectory.

Being present is incredibly important. Whether you’re in a meeting or a one-on-one conversation, give people your full attention—close your laptop, put away your phone, and listen. When dealing with coworkers, managers, or anyone (at work or otherwise), do your best to be kind even under pressure. Deadlines, long hours, and disagreements are part of work life, and how you handle them can define you professionally.

If you’re ever in doubt, consider the “golden rule.” In other words, treat colleagues, clients, and managers the way you’d want to be treated, and you’ll be gold (see what we did there?). The best part is, courtesy, respectfulness, and empathy are infectious, so you’ll be helping to foster a positive workplace environment.

Rob Porter is an editor at Vault.