Muted Mics, Missing Manners: Business Etiquette in the
Digital World
In today’s workplace, etiquette goes far beyond handshakes and office greetings. It shapes credibility, trust, and workplace culture in both physical and digital spaces. Based on the WIIT webinar, Muted Mics, Missing Manners, hosted by Thenzie Stewart (WIIT Chair) with guest speaker Lindiwe Monyae, this guide unpacks essential Do’s and Don’ts for navigating hybrid work with professionalism and respect.
■ Do’s of Business Etiquette
- Dress appropriately for the culture (slightly more formal if unsure).
- Greet colleagues/clients with a warm “Good morning/afternoon.” Offer a handshake or polite nod.
- Use clear subject lines, full words, and professional tone in emails/chats. Proofread before sending.
- Speak clearly, listen actively, and allow others to finish.
- Switch camera on at the start to show presence; maintain eye contact with the lens.
- Join meetings/classes on time, whether online or in person.
- Focus fully on the meeting, close email, silence phone, take notes.
- Send action points, thank-you notes, or follow-ups promptly.
- Use schedule-send for after-hours emails; respect people’s time zones.
- Use headphones in public, password-protect sensitive files, and ask before recording.
- Sit upright, maintain open posture, use eye contact to show attentiveness.
- Nod occasionally, smile, and use hand gestures sparingly to show engagement.
- Address everyone politely, regardless of role; introduce yourself clearly.
- Circulate agendas and reading material beforehand; stick to time.
- Keep your physical or digital desk neat, organised notes, clean background.
- Exchange contact details, send a quick follow-up “thank you.”
- Be aware of cultural norms, pronouns, and inclusive language.
- Set healthy work/life boundaries; respect others’ personal time.
■ Don’ts of Business Etiquette
- Don’t assume “my clothes don’t matter”—first impressions stick.
- Don’t dive straight into business without acknowledging the person.
- Don’t use slang, all caps, or send one-word messages like “Hi?” with no context.
- Don’t interrupt, dominate, or raise your voice unnecessarily.
- Don’t stay off-camera the whole meeting unless you’ve explained why.
- Don’t arrive late or keep others waiting without notice.
- Don’t answer emails, browse, or snack noisily on camera.
- Don’t ignore agreed tasks or leave colleagues guessing about progress.
- Don’t call/video-call without booking, or expect instant replies outside hours.
- Don’t discuss company matters in cafés, on speakerphone, or share screenshots casually.
- Don’t slouch, cross arms defensively, or check your phone mid-conversation.
- Don’t appear distracted, look away constantly, or keep camera pointed at the ceiling.
- Don’t assume juniors “don’t matter” or send curt, contextless messages.
- Don’t hold meetings without purpose, or let discussions meander endlessly.
- Don’t let clutter, noise, or unprofessional backdrops distract from your message.
- Don’t connect only when you need something; relationships are built over time.
- Don’t use biased jokes, slang, or exclude colleagues from informal circles.
- Don’t glorify overwork or expect others to be online 24/7.
“Every generation has its own way of working, but respect never goes out of
fashion.” — Lindiwe Monyae
Watch the webinar here : https://youtu.be/D47-OokuByw?si=CTG86Tpy5YvwZa-o
■ Call to Action: Put these Do’s and Don’ts into practice at your next meeting—whether online or in person. Share your own best etiquette practices with the WIIT community, and join us for the next session in our Soft Skills Series