When it comes to etiquette, many people are more concerned about using the right fork than they are about the right way to treat their co-workers.

Always mind your manners. That even includes the workplace.

Engaging in office gossip, answering emails (or playing Candy Crush) on your cell phone during meetings, not responding to calls or emails in a timely manner, all of these behaviours are downright “rude and crude.”

Here are seven workplace etiquette mistakes you should never make:

1. Being distracted during meetings

There are a lot of meetings out there that are being held because they always have been. Maybe they have run their course. Maybe they are not necessary anymore.

Some workers may be distracted at meetings because the issues being discussed don’t relate to their duties. Managers should make sure employees aren’t being required to attend meetings that don’t relate to their assignments.

2. Gossiping about others in the office

Avoiding the rumour mill is important. Don’t participate in office gossip. Work is hard enough without the distractions of gossip, which can reflect poorly on your charter in the office and potentially limit career advancement and other opportunities.

3. Not responding to calls or emails in a timely way

This as the biggest etiquette offense most workers make

4. Running late or missing meetings

5. Not crediting others when appropriate

If you are getting acknowledged for doing something well, and there really were colleagues who helped, make sure that you pass along that credit. They will appreciate it.

6. Criticising others publicly

7. Believing having good manners is old fashioned

Something that is classic never goes out of style.

Manners really go a long way. Somebody who is seen as rude or not courteous may be seen as not being good for a management position at a company. Etiquette breaches could limit your career path.

Culled from www.cleveland.com