The workplace environment has really changed since the time our daddies (and some mommies) used to work in their cubbyholes. That was the time when people knew just a handful of people from their place of work and a still fewer people were so close that they could be invited home for a dinner. But today, the workplace is more of a community center; there's a lot more going on in every office than mere work. And, that is where ethics in the workplace become all the more important. It is not just enough to get into the good books of your employers, but it is also extremely imperative to be comfortable with one's colleagues and even the subordinates. Obviously, workplace ethics will differ from one employment location to another. However, there are some ground similarities that can be observed. Based on this, we can formulate some 'safe' rules that would work for almost every work ambiance. So, here are some work ethics commandments. This is one workplace ethic that has remained sacrosanct over the ages. The boss is always right. Okay, he or she might be an insufferable lout, but as long as you are working with them, they are always right. The most judicious employee will remain good in the books of the employer. However, with changing times, bosses are becoming more accessible to their employees. Some of them even love taking inputs from their workers and improve their businesses. But, it is advisable to keep your mouth shut until asked. Another thing to avoid is maligning your boss and indulging in back biting in the office cafeteria. Gone are the days when people were not even interested in knowing what was going on in their next cubicle. Today, you cannot avoid befriending your colleagues at your workplace. Just be sure that you do not indulge in activities that create a bad impression of yourself on your colleagues. Folks at work can hamper your own prospects nowadays. Put in a genuine good word when they deserve it, and do not criticize when they err. That way you will never go wrong. Respect your colleagues' private space and they will respect yours. Do not read their personal chats over their shoulder and do not be interested in their mail that is directed to the workplace. Even if a colleague breaks out about their family affairs or romantic shenanigans with you, try not to be overzealous in offering advice. Most probably, they do not want a nanny and may just want a set of ears to listen to their monkeyshines. This breach of ethics in the workplace has happened ever since Cain and Abel started farming for their father Adam. In the machinery of your workplace, all employees are differently-sized cogs in the wheel. Every one has been assigned a post in the company because of some unique talent. That means, you should not compare yourself with how others work. Don't ever begin cribbing with your employers when someone gets a promotion and you don't. It will certainly happen with you if you deserve it. In today's workplace environment, one of the biggest work ethics is to keep your nose stuck in your own affairs. Do not involve yourself in assignments meant for others, and never show off that you can do a particular job better than them. Instead, try excelling in the work assigned to you. If you show off your superiority to others, your colleagues will think of you as too pompous, and your boss might even reprimand you for not sticking to your own work. The workplace garb has changed drastically in recent times, and the Friday jeans have come into the weekdays too. But, that doesn't mean you will dress up like a pantaloon to work. Let your attire match your status, and do not break the dress code of work; however, flimsy it might be. It helps when you are dealing with outside clients. Wearing a semi-formal attire is what one must stick to. It is ridiculous to speak about your family to your colleagues. Everyone has a family and they are most interested in what happens with their folks. But, it is nothing short of moronic to discuss your family woes at the workplace. An unwritten rule of workplace ethics is that you will never bring your family to visit your workplace, unless they are invited. You must keep your family out of the workplace as much as possible, but it is good work ethics to invite your colleagues over to dinner sometime. You can bond there and even do some constructive planning together. But, you must not be hasty and invite everyone. Take your time, understand how friendly the people in your workplace are, and then subtly begin the invitations. It is of course understood that you should not have any vested interests in inviting your colleagues (or superiors) over. When there's an appraisal, make sure your work gets noticed. Inform the right people that it is your work in advance so that when the time comes, you get the nod. Do not be crass about it, though. A subtle approach is required to make your presence felt in the workplace. At the same time, you should always acknowledge your subordinates' good work, especially if they are creative people working for you. Creative minds work better when fed on praise. And that works both ways. The final rule of ethics in the workplace is to always be informed about what is going on in your business. It does not pay if you are the one always sitting mute below the corner in the front office, or if you are the one dozing shamelessly, when a business talk is going on. People will think funny about you if you suddenly pop up and ask them about what's going on. If you are informed about your workplace affairs, it will also help you to behave better and put up a generally good impression at the workplace.