HEARD IN THE LUNCHROOM

Too Casual for Comfort?

While employees have embraced dress-down Fridays and casual work environments, a recent survey suggests that workers might not want to hang up their business suits just yet. Ninety-three percent of managers polled by Robert Half International said a person’s style of dress at work influences his or her chances of earning a promotion. So if you’re angling for the top spot, dress like the person who’s in it. Here are some additional tips for choosing the right workplace wardrobe:

• Put your best foot forward. Keep your shoes polished and in good condition.
• Get a brand-new bag. Invest in a quality briefcase, messenger bag or purse, since this item is visible and used daily.
• Don’t overdo it. Less is more when accessorizing. Steer clear of distracting jewelry or accoutrements. 
• Keep scents subtle. People shouldn’t catch a whiff of your perfume before they catch sight of you. You want to be known for your expertise, not your choice of fragrance.
• Have a spare. Even on casual days, keep a jacket and extra hosiery handy. If you’re called into an important meeting or asked to greet a client, you’ll be prepared.

One thing to remember about dressing up for work: When you look good, you’ll feel more confident. And that confidence will be reflected in your performance, something your manager will be sure to notice.

Talk Your Way to the Top

What you say and how you say it can make or break your image at the office, a survey by Robert Half International suggests. Nearly half (49 percent) of workers polled said a person’s communication style has the greatest impact on his or her professional reputation.

One important tip to remember when communicating with colleagues is that listening well is key. Although there may be times when you have a lot on your mind, especially if you have deadlines hanging over your head, it’s not appropriate to be lost in thought while someone else is talking. It’s not only disrespectful to the other person, but you also risk missing some of what’s being said.

And even if you’re in an industry that may not traditionally highlight the importance of strong communication skills, it’s a safe bet that no one’s career advancement was ever hindered by the ability to write and speak well.

From a Cubicle to the Corner Office

If your office is in need of a makeover, it might be time to re-evaluate the image you’re projecting through your workspace. While clutter, tchotchkes and half-empty soda cans don’t indicate how well you perform on the job, they do reflect your sense of professionalism. To make sure you’re sending the right message, consider the following tips:

• Look up for inspiration. Take your cue from your manager’s office for ideas on what’s appropriate for your company’s corporate culture. Framed photos on the desk or tacked to a corkboard, a neat row of books, and a plant or two can make the décor homey but work-appropriate.
• Use your industry as your guide. Professionals in creative fields, such as advertising and marketing, tend to have more liberties when it comes to office décor than those in conservative sectors, such as banking. It’s not uncommon to see a Magic 8-Ball on the desk of a creative director; however, you probably won’t find one in the partner’s office in a major law firm.
• Clear up clutter. A messy desk doesn’t only show poorly — it might also hinder how quickly work can be done in your absence. If you’re out of the office and a coworker needs to find an important document, he or she won’t know that it’s in the third pile on the left. Make sure information is easy to find and clearly marked.

Heard in the Lunchroom^SM is provided by Robert Half, the world’s largest specialized staffing firm and a leading authority on workplace and management trends. For more information, visit www.rhi.com.