The idea of keeping your elbows off the table and not talking while eating might seem outdated, but they’re important reminders of basic manners. Good manners are about more than knowing which fork to use at a dinner party or how to write an effective email.

Discover the benefits of etiquette classes and learn about the integral role manners play in our society with these helpful tips.

1. They’re Good for Your Health

Good manners help us focus on others before ourselves, which is essential to our mental health. Being thoughtful of others may also help prevent or manage stress and depression.

Good etiquette can make your day much brighter, so practice those little things that will make an impact on you and others. A smile, a firm handshake, eye contact when you speak, listening until someone is finished speaking before responding, and avoiding rude conversations or comments are all examples of great etiquette.

Whether at work or at home, proper manners are important in all settings. Common bad manners in the workplace include obnoxious ringtones, using shared kitchen facilities improperly (such as hogging refrigerator space or leaving a mess), and being rude to coworkers and customers. Practicing good manners can help you be more effective in your job and may even boost your credibility. Bring Your Manners To Work Day, observed on the first Friday of September each year, is an excellent time to remind yourself that good etiquette in the workplace is important.

2. They’re Good for Your Relationships

It’s important to keep in mind that manners aren’t just about making people feel comfortable. They’re also about building and strengthening relationships.

It’s important to practice good communication skills when it comes to etiquette which includes knowing how and when to ask questions, listening actively and avoiding gossip. For example, if someone is new to the area, it’s polite to ask where they are from and what their favorite food is, but she adds that it’s inappropriate to continue asking for personal details over and over again.

A simple greeting like a smile or “Good morning” can make all the difference in the workplace. Keeping your workspace clean and organized, being a considerate colleague and following email etiquette (like using proper grammar, not writing in all caps, etc.) all work together to create a productive and welcoming workplace environment.

3. They’re Good for Your Business

Even though the world of business looks a lot different today than it did 100 years ago, when good manners were considered a critical part of professional conduct, this doesn’t mean they don’t still matter. Your colleagues, clients and business associates will want to work with you if you demonstrate high standards of personal and professional behavior.

Manners are more than knowing where to place your fork or knife, but also how to speak, listen and treat others with courtesy and respect. People notice your good manners—and, more importantly, they feel a difference when you don’t have them.

In fact, it’s important to bring good manners to the workplace because that’s where many of us spend most of our time. For example, poor workspace etiquette like obnoxious ringtones and messy desk areas can negatively affect productivity. Also, poor email etiquette like forgetting to include the name of the recipient or leaving out key details can lead to miscommunication.

4. They’re Good for Your Community

In the workplace, manners and etiquette help build healthy relationships and foster a respectful environment. If every employee displayed proper manners and professionalism, the entire office would be more productive and happy. This is why the Protocol School of Washington has created a day to celebrate workplace manners, called “Bring Your Manners To Work Day.”

It’s important for adults to set a good example of good behavior and courtesy in order to inspire others. Children and younger people tend to imitate the behavior they see, so it’s important to be conscious of your own manners and conduct.

It’s also important to say “please” and “thank you,” and to express a sincere appreciation for those who go out of their way to assist you with something. If more people showed these simple manners, we could have a much healthier and happier community, city, state, country and world! Good manners are timeless. They provide natural protection against selfishness, which breeds loneliness.