In the workplace, your reputation is everything. It doesn’t take long for certain habits—no matter how small they seem—to leave a lasting negative impression. Even if you’re great at your job, behaviors that show a lack of professionalism, consideration, or accountability can quickly damage how colleagues and supervisors see you. If you’re looking to maintain a solid reputation and build trust, here are 15 things to avoid at all costs.
1. Thinking Leaving 10 Minutes Early Is No Big Deal
Leaving a few minutes early might seem harmless, but when it becomes a habit, people notice. Colleagues who stay until the end of the workday may start to question your commitment, especially if they’re picking up the slack. Even if your work is done, sneaking out early can give the impression that you’re more focused on the clock than the job at hand. Over time, this behavior chips away at your credibility and makes it harder for others to take you seriously. According to Forbes, consistently leaving work early can be seen as disrespectful and inconsiderate, potentially damaging your professional credibility and relationships with colleagues.
While occasional early departures are understandable, consistently cutting out early can damage your reputation, particularly if leadership notices. It signals a lack of discipline and dedication, which can hurt your chances of promotions or leadership roles. If you need to leave early, communicate it openly and ensure your tasks are completed. Transparency shows respect for your team and helps maintain trust and accountability.
2. Going Over Your Lunch Break Almost Every Day
Taking a longer lunch break once in a while isn’t a big deal, but making it a daily habit sends the wrong message. When colleagues notice that you’re regularly gone longer than allowed, it can create resentment—especially if they’re sticking to the schedule. It also signals to management that you might not respect company policies, which can damage your credibility and limit your opportunities for growth. Facility Executive reports that while regular lunch breaks are important for employee satisfaction, consistently taking longer breaks than allowed can negatively impact workplace dynamics and productivity.
Beyond the perception of unfairness, extended breaks can disrupt workflow and slow down team productivity. If coworkers are waiting on you to return before moving forward with tasks, your absence can cause unnecessary delays. Sticking to your allotted break time shows that you respect both your colleagues’ time and the company’s expectations—both of which are essential for maintaining a solid professional reputation.
3. Gossiping About The People You Work With
Gossip might seem like harmless chatter, but it can quickly destroy trust and credibility. When you talk negatively about coworkers, word often gets around—damaging relationships and creating a toxic work environment. Colleagues who hear you gossip may wonder what you say about them when they’re not around, leading to tension and mistrust that can hurt both teamwork and morale. As noted by research published in SAGE Journals, workplace gossip can significantly damage interpersonal relationships and hinder the development of close connections at work.
Beyond damaging relationships, gossip reflects poorly on your character. It suggests a lack of professionalism and maturity, making others less likely to confide in you or seek your input. If you have concerns about a colleague’s behavior or performance, address them directly or speak with a supervisor. Choosing constructive communication over gossip shows emotional intelligence and helps maintain a healthy, respectful workplace.
4. Drinking Too Much Alcohol At Work Events
Work events are often an opportunity to relax and socialize, but overindulging in alcohol can leave a lasting negative impression. While it might feel like a chance to let loose, drinking too much can lead to unprofessional behavior that colleagues and supervisors won’t forget. Whether it’s inappropriate comments, sloppy conduct, or oversharing personal details, excessive drinking can quickly damage your reputation. Pivot highlights that excessive alcohol consumption at work events can lead to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and potential safety risks in the workplace.
Even if your performance at work is excellent, unprofessional behavior at events can undermine your credibility. Colleagues and managers may question your judgment and reliability, especially if your actions reflect poorly on the company. The key is to enjoy yourself while maintaining control—stick to one or two drinks and focus on building relationships through meaningful conversations rather than alcohol-fueled antics.
5. Arriving To Work Late With A Coffee In Your Hand
Showing up late is one thing, but walking in with a coffee adds insult to injury. It gives the impression that you had time to stop for coffee but not enough time to arrive on schedule—making it harder for colleagues and managers to take you seriously. Even if you stayed late the night before, arriving late can create the perception that you’re not fully committed to your role.
Consistently arriving on time shows respect for your team and demonstrates that you’re dependable. If you do happen to run late, skip the coffee stop and head straight to work. This small gesture shows that you prioritize your responsibilities and respect other people’s time. Over the long term, punctuality helps build trust and credibility—qualities that are essential for career growth.
6. Yawning During Important Meetings
Yawning might be an involuntary reaction, but during important meetings, it sends the wrong message. Colleagues and supervisors may interpret it as boredom, disinterest, or a lack of engagement—none of which help your professional reputation. Even if you’re genuinely tired, frequent yawning can come across as disrespectful and unprofessional, especially when others are presenting or leading discussions.
To minimize yawning during meetings, make an effort to get enough sleep and stay energized throughout the day. If fatigue is unavoidable, try discreet strategies like sipping water, stretching before the meeting, or taking short breaks to recharge. Maintaining a professional and attentive demeanor shows that you respect both the content of the meeting and the people involved, helping to reinforce your reputation as a dedicated and engaged employee.
7. Sending Emails With Typos And Careless Mistakes
Email communication is often the first impression you make, especially in professional settings. Sending messages riddled with typos, grammatical errors, or unclear phrasing reflects a lack of attention to detail. It suggests that you’re either rushing through your work or don’t care enough to review it—neither of which inspire confidence in your abilities.
Proofreading your emails before hitting send is a simple yet powerful way to maintain credibility. Double-check names, dates, and key details to ensure accuracy, and use tools like spell check to catch basic errors. Clear, polished communication shows that you take your work seriously and respect the time and attention of your recipients—qualities that help build trust and reinforce your professionalism.
8. Using Company Time For Personal Errands Or Side Gigs
It might be tempting to squeeze in personal errands or side projects during work hours, but doing so can quickly damage your reputation. Using company time for non-work activities signals a lack of commitment and integrity, especially if your colleagues are working hard while you’re focused on personal tasks. If managers discover that you’re prioritizing personal matters over your responsibilities, it can jeopardize your credibility—and even your job.
Maintaining a strong professional reputation requires respecting the time and resources your employer provides. If you need to handle personal tasks, do so outside of work hours or during breaks. And if you have a side gig, make sure it doesn’t interfere with your primary job. Demonstrating discipline and dedication during work hours shows that you take your role seriously and can be trusted to deliver results.
9. Interrupting Others To Prove Your Point
Interrupting colleagues during conversations or meetings is a quick way to damage your reputation. It sends the message that you believe your input is more valuable than theirs, which can come across as arrogant and dismissive. Even if you’re passionate about your ideas, cutting others off undermines teamwork and creates tension within the group.
Practicing active listening is essential for building respect and collaboration. Wait until others have finished speaking before sharing your thoughts, and acknowledge their input before offering your perspective. This approach not only shows that you value different viewpoints but also helps you communicate more effectively. By listening as much as you speak, you demonstrate emotional intelligence and build stronger, more productive relationships with your colleagues.
10. Taking Credit For Ideas That Weren’t Yours
Claiming credit for someone else’s work is one of the fastest ways to lose the trust and respect of your colleagues. It undermines teamwork, damages relationships, and signals a lack of integrity. Even if you contributed to a project, overstating your role can leave others feeling undervalued and resentful—making it harder to collaborate in the future.
Giving credit where it’s due shows that you’re confident in your own abilities and secure enough to acknowledge the contributions of others. When discussing team successes, highlight the specific roles and achievements of your colleagues. This not only strengthens relationships but also enhances your reputation as a fair, honest, and supportive team player—qualities that are essential for long-term career success.
11. Complaining About Work On Social Media
Social media might feel like a private space to vent, but anything you post can quickly become public knowledge. Complaining about your job, colleagues, or company online reflects poorly on your professionalism and judgment. Even if your profile is private, there’s always a risk that your comments will be seen by the wrong person—potentially jeopardizing your reputation and career.
Instead of airing grievances online, address workplace concerns through the proper channels. If you’re frustrated with a situation, speak directly with your manager or HR department. Keeping your complaints off social media shows maturity and respect for your employer, while also protecting your reputation both inside and outside the workplace. Remember, what you post online can follow you long after the moment has passed—so think twice before hitting “send.”
12. Ignoring Deadlines And Blaming Your Workload
Meeting deadlines is a fundamental part of maintaining your professional reputation. When you consistently miss deadlines and blame it on being busy, it signals poor time management and a lack of accountability. Colleagues and supervisors rely on you to deliver work on time, and failing to do so can delay projects, disrupt workflows, and damage your credibility.
If you’re struggling to meet deadlines, communicate proactively and ask for help when needed. Prioritize your tasks, break projects into manageable steps, and set realistic timelines. By taking ownership of your responsibilities and delivering results on time, you demonstrate reliability and professionalism—qualities that are essential for building trust and advancing your career.
13. Talking Over Colleagues In Meetings
Talking over others during meetings is a surefire way to damage your professional reputation. It signals a lack of respect for your colleagues’ perspectives and can make you seem self-centered or dismissive. Even if you have valuable insights to share, interrupting others undermines collaboration and creates a competitive atmosphere that stifles productivity.
To build respect and credibility, practice active listening and wait your turn to speak. Acknowledge the contributions of others and look for opportunities to build on their ideas rather than overshadow them. By fostering an environment where everyone feels heard and valued, you demonstrate leadership, emotional intelligence, and a collaborative mindset—all of which are essential for long-term career success.
14. Dodging Responsibility When Mistakes Happen
Mistakes are inevitable, but how you handle them defines your professional reputation. Dodging responsibility or blaming others not only damages your credibility but also erodes trust within your team. Colleagues and supervisors respect individuals who own up to their errors and take proactive steps to fix them—while those who deflect blame quickly lose the confidence of those around them.
Taking responsibility for your mistakes shows integrity, accountability, and a commitment to growth. When you acknowledge an error, focus on finding solutions and preventing similar issues in the future. This approach not only helps you rebuild trust but also demonstrates resilience and professionalism—qualities that are essential for long-term success in any career.
15. Rolling Your Eyes When Given Feedback
How you respond to feedback says a lot about your character and professionalism. Rolling your eyes—even if it’s unintentional—signals defensiveness, disrespect, and an unwillingness to improve. This reaction can make colleagues and supervisors hesitant to offer constructive criticism in the future, limiting your opportunities for growth and development.
Instead of reacting negatively, approach feedback with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Listen carefully, ask clarifying questions, and thank the person for their input. Even if you don’t agree with every point, showing respect and gratitude demonstrates emotional intelligence and maturity. By embracing feedback as a tool for growth, you not only improve your skills but also strengthen your reputation as a dedicated, coachable, and collaborative team member.
