Workplace etiquette used to be straightforward. Everybody knew that “this is the way we do things here,” and people played the game.

“Standardized behavior prevented confusion so everyone knew what was expected,” says Dorothea Johnson, president of the Protocol School of Washington.

That’s not the case today. Standards are all over the map. Employees at many companies dress casually even when meeting important clients. Some workers dine like they’re lounging in front of the TV.

It’s not a light matter, say etiquette experts. In fact, good business manners are nothing less than “the outward, physical sign of an inner unselfishness, a readiness to put others first, and an exercise in self-restraint that define the essence of civilization,” Johnson declares.

The result of poor business etiquette, by contrast, is “misunderstanding and confusion,” remarks Jacqueline Whitmore, founder and director of the Protocol School of Palm Beach. “Companies are losing business from this miscommunication.”

But companies are realizing anew the importance of business manners. “There is a heightened awareness now in understanding etiquette. Companies are seeing that the way they are doing things is not achieving the results they want,” says Alinda Lewris, president of the International Association of Protocol Consultants.

What companies are appreciating is that work just goes more smoothly with polite, cordial behavior, and standardizing it simply makes courtesy automatic. Here are some tips:

• Women in business: Women should follow the same standards as men, says Johnson. Stand for introductions. Open the door if she’s there first. Pay for lunch if she extended the invitation.

• Introductions: The “less important,” lower level, or younger person is introduced to the “more important,” senior level or older person. The exception, Johnson says, is clients and customers, who are always “introduced to.” An example: “Mr. Client, I’d like to introduce Mr. CEO.” Background the introduction briefly so the context is clear.

• Hello: An introductory “Hello” is more professional than “Hi.” Follow your greeting with the person’s name and a handshake.

• Please and thank you: A sincere “please” and “thank you” to everyone for anything goes a long way.

• Listen: Listen attentively rather than planning your response.

• Give good phone: Avoid phone tag by leaving messages that say when you can be reached. Return calls on time. Don’t keep someone on hold.

• Professional language: There’s no place for off-color humor at work, or juicy gossip for that matter. The same goes for demeaning terms like “Honey” or “Babe.”