Even when you’re busy working hard at your job, it’s important to always mind your manners as an employee. While it might not necessarily be the first thing on your mind when you’re devoured by daily responsibilities, your etiquette at work can be incredibly important. It can affect not only your social reputation but your potential job prospects, as well. After all, the right employer for your dream job might already be watching, and how you conduct yourself can go a long way towards opening up opportunities for your future success. Here are some helpful business etiquette rules to abide by as you go about your daily routine, ensuring that you’re always presenting yourself in a dignified manner.

Despite living in a fast-paced digital world where communication is constantly at your fingertips, it’s rude to leave your electronic devices on while you’re around others. Whether you’re at the dinner table or especially in a work meeting, speaking face-to-face with others, and listening to their ideas and concerns is crucial to maintaining respectful relationships. Meanwhile, if you are in fact invited to a business lunch or meal, it’s inappropriate and disrespectful to invite others without asking. After all, if a colleague or client has invited you out and offered to pay for the meal, bringing another guest is quite rude, assuming that the host is going to pay for the extra person. This principle can even apply to significant others if there hasn’t been an open invitation for everyone to bring a ‘date.’ Asking beforehand is crucial to not only get your answer upfront but to demonstrate to your host that you take courtesy into consideration as a means of respect.

Another place where business etiquette is an essential factor is during any type of meeting where respect is due. Don’t arrive at a meeting with a superior or a client late, whether you’re actually meeting face-to-face or simply conducting a virtual call. This can reflect poorly on your judgment, your work ethic, and your consideration of others’ time before the meeting even begins. If you’re engaged in an office meeting with two or more colleagues, don’t spend the entire time talking and asking questions. Give others the chance to get a word in so they can have their concerns addressed, as well.

When it comes to business etiquette, there’s no limit to how much courtesy and respect you can show to the others around you. Turn to these helpful tips to improve your conduct and reputation at work, as consistent good behavior can often lead you to greater opportunities.