Etiquette for Work Meetings

For many people, business meetings feel like a necessity of life. Yet many professionals fear the idea of messing up during a meeting and instead prefer to stay quiet. While work meetings can be intimidating, understanding their etiquette can help make things easier.

Yes, even work meetings have expected etiquette and rules to follow. They refer to the expected behavior of the host and all attendees - in other words, you and all your coworkers. Learn these rules, and you’ll never worry about accidentally stepping on toes or offending someone.

Be On Time

Nothing is worse than waiting for a meeting to start because one person is late, except perhaps having a latecomer interrupt a meeting already in session. Arriving late is seen as rude and unprofessional behavior. Therefore, etiquette rule number one is to arrive on time. This will show that you respect the meeting and your coworkers properly.

Prepare

Not every business meeting will require participation or preparation on your part. However, there will come a time when preparation is a requirement. When this happens, ensure you have everything you need, from documents to data and everything in between. Likewise, don’t be afraid to participate in meetings led by others. It shows that you are willing to engage in what they say.

Listen

While attending a business meeting, it is always polite to listen. Listening to others will ensure that you understand the point of the meeting, show respect, and prepare yourself for any changes. Remember that asking questions or clarification is okay - this will show that you are listening and attempting to understand.

Dress Professionally

Dressing professionally is a requirement for attending any business meeting. Your industry will set the requirements for a dress code, but it is always a good idea to arrive in a clean and well-fitting outfit. If you are concerned about what to wear, consider reaching out to a manager or other professional for advice.

Be Aware of Body Language

It is far too easy to let our body language send messages we don’t want to get out. For example, yawning or slouching during a meeting implies that you are tired or bored of the meeting, which implies a lack of attention to the subject matter.

This example showcases the importance of monitoring your body language. Avoid fidgeting when possible, sit up straight, and do your best to look attentive. Yes, this does mean keeping your phone out of your hands.

Speak Up

When it is your turn to speak during a meeting, be sure to speak loudly and clearly. While there is no need to shout, it is essential to ensure that everyone in the meeting can adequately hear you. This will have the added advantage of making you appear more confident.

Clean Up

Once a meeting is complete, it is always polite to clean up after yourself. Pick up any papers or trash in your area, primarily if eating occurred during the meeting. Leaving a mess in your wake is unprofessional and generally unappreciated.

Virtual Meeting Etiquette

Virtual meetings have become more common due to the rise of remote and hybrid workforces. Due to this rising trend, it is imperative that we discuss virtual meeting etiquette.

The same rules apply to virtual meetings, alongside a few additional concerns. For example, when you are not the person talking, it is always best to mute your mic. This will help reduce background noise for everyone else.

While sitting in the comfort of your home, keeping a professional air about you is the better choice. Dress professionally, sit up straight, and avoid eating or drinking during the meeting (except drinking water, of course).