text: workplace etiquette and communication? can you please give me some basic guideline for office  etiquette and proper communication among staff members in an organization? not talking in loud tones, this is especially important when others are on the telephone. being sure someone is not too busy before you start asking them something. say excuse me do you have a minute, i need to ask you a question, if it looks like they are doing something, in their own office, etc. don't express your opinion about every little thing. keep it to yourself. if you don't like something about the office, you can mention it to the supervisor but don't keep harping on it, they will get the message even though they might not do anything about it. a lot of communication can be done by e-mail, do whatever is your companys policy/protocol. discussing things by e-mail with the group prior to a meeting can save time, also after a meeting to summarize, also a copy can go to the supervisor so they can see you are doing your job.