Unwritten rules you won’t find in the employee handbook

Organizations all over the world are governed by rules and regulations. While employees are expected to adhere to these rules, it’s important that they are conversant with underlying unwritten rules.

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1. Flex Time

Sometimes hard to admit, but there are certain hours of the day we tend to take extra breaks during work hours, outside the stipulated break time. This could be when you take a walk to the nearby store, receive a guest at the reception or even socialize with other colleagues. Whatever form this takes, it is important, however, to ensure you stay on top of your deliverables.

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2. Time for Close-Of-Business

Another unwritten rule in some Nigerian organizations is that employees do not leave the office until the boss does. Thus, even if work hours is 9-5pm, you may find yourself staying beyond the official close of business because your boss is still working in the office.

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4.Emails acknowledgment

It is disrespectful not to acknowledge receipt of mail received from your boss, colleagues or other stakeholders, regardless of content of the mail. This is an unwritten but extremely important rule. Always respond to the mail, contribute to the general message where necessary and do so quickly, too. 

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5. Dress code

In some organizations like a creative agency, it might be an unwritten rule to dress a certain way. If the organization you work in does not have a formal dress code, observe how your colleagues dress and dress accordingly. Always choose your work outfits in consideration of what you’re most comfortable with, as well as what suits your style and personality.

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However, if your organization has a strict and written dress code, be sure to adhere to it.

6. Observe your leave policy

Although the company you work for may allow you go on leave at certain periods in the year, there may be some unwritten guidelines around when you can go, for how long and if you get a leave allowance. Get familiar with all necessary areas to avoid any trouble.

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What other unwritten rules do you have where you work? Tell us in the comment section below.