Form the habit of smiling and greeting everyone as you arrive in every morning or begin your shift. It's amazing how fast this little courtesy can thaw chilly workplace relations. Just smile and say hello, or hi, or good morning.

You must not be loud in the professional work environment. If you have received a personal call then it will be a good idea to walk down to the corridor to take the call. Do say: “Could you talk more quietly when you're at work? When someone talks and laughs loudly, I have a hard time concentrating.”

Office gossip can cause a lot of unnecessary stress which should be avoided at all costs. You would not someone to gossip about you and neither will the next person. When someone tries to involve you in gossip you can say: “Sorry, I’m really busy.”

Remember that the office is not a party place and you will have to dress in a way that commands respect both from your colleagues and clients. Do not wear ultra-casual, provocative or evening attire. Do say: It's very cute and I like it but I think you should look like you're going to work, not like you're going to fashion week/not to the company picnic/not to a soccer game/not a date/not to a party...

You are overwhelmed by a co-worker’s scent. Do say: "I’m so sorry, but I think I may have an allergy to someone’s perfume. I’m so sensitive!" Don’t say: Can you please open a window? Your choice of fragrance is making my eyes water.