You spent a major part of your waking life in your office. Well its almost your second home, except you can't doze off here, you can't stretch your legs on another chair, you can't yell when your coffee is late in arriving, you can't play the music to its full volume, you can't tell your boss he is so wrong, you can't say you are in no mood to work (you will still have to pretend), and you can't tell your colleagues that they can bugger off. Get it?? And one more thing, your tie can't go askew and you can't sprawl in your pyjamas here. Follow the dress code.

So there is an office etiquette that you will need to follow if you are part of this load of office going workforce.

The etiquette may be too obvious. But there are so many other things you need to take care of in order that you progress through your job in the smoothest way possible with minimum friction and scratches along way to top (some day?).

First and foremost thing to do is, not to take active part in gossip even while pretending to be taking part in one. This way you are not spreading any rumour at the same time you can still seem 'such a friendly guy' to your colleagues.

You should never spill beans if you have been privy to information on a major contract that's coming the company's way and that is supposed to be a big secret and all. Bosses eventually come to know who spilled the beans. They have their spies, you see. And then you may not get your 'excellent' evaluation, it may just come down to 'very good'.

Who is seeing whom, who is having an illicit affair with whom, who has got a wrong tie, who is gay who is not, don't make any such suggestion on your own based on some frivolous observation. It may not go down too well and cast a bad light on you and that may put your future in darkness.

If you are getting a raise keep the information to you. Don't advertise it. It may spread the jealousy virus and how and when it will bite you, you never know. Just smile when colleagues ask you.

And lastly keep a watch on your personal calls, your internet usage etc. Most offices secretly keep a track of this. Long distances calls outside the office purposes are especially monitored. At the same time you can also take careful notes on promises and deliveries on the part of the management. These notes may be very useful if there comes a time when you have to make a point.

In general be hygienic, keep your desk and computer dusted and clean, be smiley, polite and not too talkative not too quiet, come to office on time, meet the deadlines, if you can't, have a good reason for not meeting deadline, participate in various activities and be helpful and humble. You will sail through your office life unscathed. Guaranteed.