Top Things People Should Never Do At Work
Most people know that you’re supposed to show up to work on time, be respectful to your co-workers and managers, and get the job done. Many of us have heard the long list of work do’s and don’ts. But at the end of the day, nobody is perfect. Business Insider collaborated with a human resources director of ten years to compile a list of the top things to never do at work.
Many people are aware of the do’s, while some completely disregard the don’ts. “I’d say go above and beyond, find ways to be innovative, and come to the table with solutions, not just problems. But beyond what you should do, there are also things you shouldn’t,” the HR director told the outlet.
They kicked off their list with a very relatable don’t, which is don’t overshare. If you’re spending eight hours a day with your coworkers, it’s easy to become comfortable with them. This is also true for remote workers. But the website points out that people should remember that colleagues aren’t your automatic friends and certain boundaries should be placed. They said that it allows people to make assumptions or decisions for you, even if it comes from a caring place.
More Don’ts
Also, on their list is don’t be humble. They’re not saying to be cocky or a jerk. They said you shouldn’t put yourself last in comparison to others. “I’ve noticed that successful people tend to be very direct about their accomplishments and more vocal, whereas super-humble individuals tend not to talk about their achievements or advocate for themselves as much,” they wrote.
Their next don’t involves work parties. You know, the ones that can get a bit crazy after hours. Negative things can come out of sticking around too long at company functions than positive ones, they highlighted. They said sometimes it’s the booze flowing, and things go too far. Other times, people will be sober but make poor decisions because they’re around coworkers but outside of the office. It’s suggested to just swing by, show your face, and avoid hanging out for more than an hour or two.
See what else is on their list of workplace don’ts here.
9 Office Behaviors You Should Definitely Skip
Oversharing Too Much Personal Information
At the office, it’s usually best to leave your personal problems at the door. Sharing too much about your personal life can make your coworkers uncomfortable, and it might affect your professional image. We all have our ups and downs, but oversharing personal issues, like that big breakup or crazy weekend, can make your coworkers feel a bit awkward. Imagine you’re in the middle of a team meeting discussing a project, and someone suddenly launches into the intricacies of their dating life. But, when it’s an emergency, like someone in the family falling sick or a personal health issue, don’t hesitate to let the right people know.
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Unspoken Office Food Rules
In the realm of office etiquette, there are some unspoken rules regarding food. First, it’s just common sense not to talk with your mouth full. Secondly, it’s a clear no-no to help yourself to someone else’s food from the office fridge. Lastly, be mindful of what you heat in the microwave. Strong-smelling dishes like onion and anchovy pizza can be a bit overwhelming for everyone else. Don’t forget about popcorn in the microwave. Burnt popcorn smell isn’t pleasant for anyone. So, keep an eye on it while it’s popping.
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Personal Grooming
While it’s great to stay fresh and clean at work, you’d typically want to steer clear of doing your personal grooming stuff in the office. That means no nail clipping, nail polishing, nose-picking, or any other grooming rituals that might make your coworkers cringe. Save that stuff for your personal time.
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Unnecessary Noise
In a cramped office with thin walls and no private doors to shut, you should be considerate of the shared space. It’s a good idea to keep personal calls and loud chit-chat to a minimum, especially in open workspaces. Nobody wants their concentration derailed, right? And speaking of noise, save the rock concert-level music and the crazy loud social media videos for after hours.
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Messy Workspace
Maintaining a tidy workspace is a must. You wouldn’t want to become known as the person with the messy cubicle that has an odd odor, right? Whether you have a desk all to yourself or not, keeping it clean and organized can do wonders for your daily productivity and overall work experience.
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Poor Hygiene
Showing up to work with poor hygiene is a no-go. For starters, it’s all about keeping things professional and respecting your colleagues. Nobody wants to sit next to a coworker with funky smells, right? Feeling fresh and clean can boost your mood and your work game. If you ever need a quick hygiene fix, no shame in stepping away to use some deodorant or give your teeth a brush in the bathroom.
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Personal Space & Boundaries
Whether you’re in an open office or a cubicle doesn’t matter. Respecting personal space is a must. Being considerate of your colleagues’ belongings and giving them room to breathe is key. It ensures a productive and respectful office atmosphere where everyone can focus without feeling crowded or uncomfortable.
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Overdoing It With Foul Language
While a slip of a swear word might happen to the best of us in the office, you can’t predict what language might rub a coworker or boss the wrong way. To keep the peace, it’s a good plan to steer clear of strong language in your office chats and messages. And when it comes to those work emails, stick to pro-speak. It’s just safer and smoother that way.
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Leaving It How You Found It
Leave things as you found them. For instance, if you happen to use up the last sheet of copy paper, it’s a common courtesy to make sure it gets replaced. This small act of consideration contributes to a cooperative atmosphere and ensures that the office operates seamlessly. It’s a simple yet effective way to demonstrate respect for your colleagues and the workplace as a whole.
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