from &100000 to & 250000. These costs, along with the face that plaintiffs tend to prevail in jury trials, make many companies eager to settle lawsuits as soon as possible. But even settlement can be very expensive.
To reduce the costs of rudeness and incivility in the workplace, some companies have implemented " corporate etiquette" policies. Etiquette, in its simplest form, is being polite. This is an attribute that sometimes escapes those in today's fast-paced society. It is the poise and polish we exhibit, and sometimes do not, in our daily interactions with people. Practicing good etiquette proves we appreciate and respect the rights of others. And doing so gives us the ability to put people at ease, making them feel that they are the center of our attention, if even for a moment. Be it time crunches, computer glitches, or harried situations, common courtesy can be simply forgotten.
Some important tips on etiquette include:
Cyber-sensitivity-Don't force electronic communication on someone who clings to written documents or meetings.
Casual day-If your firm has an official policy on dress-down days, get a copy and follow it.
Fax etiquette-Never read faxes addressed to others.
Voice-mail mania-Keep your messages short and to the point.
Shared work space-If you share work space, respect each other's need for uninterrupted work time.
Computer privacy-Respect a colleague's computer files as would respect the files on his or her desk.