About International Bring Your Manners to Work Day

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Bring Your Manners to Work Day is celebrated on the first Friday in September. It is sponsored by the Protocol School of Washington, which teaches business and diplomatic etiquette to executives and other leaders.

"Statistically, manners matter," says PSOW President Pamela Eyring.

"Eighty percent of executives say clothing affects an employee's chances of earning a promotion and 68% of senior managers are not comfortable being 'friended' by their bosses" (2013 Office Team Survey).

PSOW President Pamela Eyring Offers the Following Advice for Every Day of the Year

CELL ETIQUETTE ADVICE

Don't cell yell – people tend to speak three times louder on a cell phone than in person.

Respect people's personal space – keep a 'safe cell distance' of 10 feet away from people.

Don't use your cell phone in a restroom or hallway – you don't know who may be listening.

Don't be an e-stalker – allow 24 to 48 hours for an email reply before emailing again.

Keep arguments to yourself – no one wants to be dragged into your drama.

Be a good dining companion – keep phones on vibrate and pay attention to guests around you.

SOCIAL MEDIA ADVICE

Clean up your virtual image - delete inappropriate photos & text from social media sites.

Watch what you "like." It could be seen by your boss if "friended."

Don't call in sick and post comments about your fun day at the beach.

Stay off social sites when you are angry. This way, you don't have to apologize if you cross the line.

BUSINESS ETIQUETTE BASICS

Don't wear see-through dresses; sandals with socks; Lycra bike shorts; muscle shirts; wrinkled clothes or employer's #1 complaint, plunging necklines (all observed by managers)

Make eye contact 40-60% of the time, looking in the eyes or between the eyebrows.

Have a supply of clean, un-tattered business cards on-hand at all times

Tip to remember names, repeat three times: when meeting, in conversation, when saying goodbye

Shake hands (3 quick pumps), making firm web-to-web contact (no limp fish or gloved politician handshake).