We spend a lot of our lives at work, so it’s only natural we want it to be as pleasant of an experience as humanly possible. However, some people take that to an extreme and get a bit too comfortable in the workplace, acting in ways and doing things that are best reserved for after 5 p.m. (or whenever your shift ends). If you’re guilty of doing these things while on the job, you look unprofessional — and it could end up coming back to bite you!
1. Constantly complaining
No one likes a Negative Nancy (or Ned). If you’re always whining about your workload, your boss, or your coworkers, it’s time to put a sock in it. Constant complaining brings down morale and makes you look like a drag to work with. If you have a legitimate issue, address it constructively with a solution in mind. Otherwise, find a way to stay positive and keep your grumbling to a minimum.
2. Always showing up late
Rolling into the office 20 minutes after everyone else isn’t fashionable, it’s rude. Your coworkers are busting their butts to get things done while you’re hitting the snooze button. It shows a lack of respect for your team’s time and makes you look like you don’t give a damn about your job. Set your alarm earlier and show up ready to work.
3. Being glued to your phone
Constantly scrolling through Instagram or texting during meetings is a huge no-no. It shows a lack of engagement and respect for your colleagues’ time. Keep your phone out of sight during work hours and give your full attention to the task at hand. If you’re expecting an important call, let your team know ahead of time and step out to take it.
4. Dressing inappropriately
Your office isn’t a nightclub or a beach. Dressing too provocatively or too casually shows a lack of respect for your workplace’s culture and can make you look immature. Stick to the dress code and err on the side of professionalism. You can express your personal style without pushing the limits of appropriateness.
5. Oversharing about your personal life
Your coworkers don’t need to know about your wild weekend or your latest Tinder disaster. Keep your personal life personal and your work life professional. Giving TMI on your life when you’re not at work can make your colleagues uncomfortable and blur important boundaries. Save the juicy stories for your friends outside the office.
6. Gossiping about your coworkers
The office isn’t your personal soap opera. Gossiping about your colleagues’ personal lives, work performance, or anything else is a surefire way to lose trust and credibility. Plus, it makes you look like a petty high schooler. Keep your nose out of other people’s business and focus on your own work. If you have a legitimate concern, address it directly with the person or your supervisor.
7. Ignoring emails or messages
If someone takes the time to reach out to you, have the courtesy to respond in a timely manner. Ignoring emails or messages is not only rude, but it also makes you look disorganized and unreliable. If you need more time to provide a complete answer, at least acknowledge receipt and let them know when they can expect a full response.
8. Procrastination.
Waiting until the last minute to tackle projects leads to rushed, subpar work and puts added stress on you and your teammates. Break down tasks, set deadlines, and learn to prioritize effectively. Proactive time management makes you look efficient and reliable. Procrastination makes you look like a liability.
9. Taking credit for other people’s work
There’s nothing lower than stealing someone else’s thunder. If your coworker came up with a brilliant idea or put in the extra hours to finish a project, give them the credit they deserve. Trying to pass off their hard work as your own is not only dishonest, but it also shows a serious lack of integrity. Your own accomplishments will speak for themselves; you don’t need to poach anyone else’s.
10. Being a know-it-all
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No one likes a smarty-pants. Even if you’re an expert in your field, acting like you have all the answers is off-putting and arrogant. Be open to other people’s ideas and perspectives, and acknowledge when someone else has valuable insights to contribute. A little humility goes a long way in building positive working relationships.
11. Not owning up to your mistakes
No one’s perfect, and mistakes happen. What matters is how you handle them. Trying to cover up your errors or blame them on someone else is a surefire way to lose trust and respect. Own up to your mistakes, apologize if necessary, and focus on finding a solution. Showing accountability and a willingness to learn from your missteps is a sign of professionalism and maturity.
12. Being a slob
Your desk doesn’t have to be immaculate, but if it looks like a tornado hit it, it’s time to tidy up. A cluttered, dirty workspace makes you look disorganized and unprofessional. Take a few minutes each day to file away papers, throw out trash, and keep your area presentable. A clean desk shows that you take pride in your work and your environment.
13. Being a clock-watcher
Constantly checking the time and counting down the minutes until quitting hour makes you look like you’re just punching a clock. It gives the impression that you’re not engaged in your work and can’t wait to get out of there. Stay focused on your tasks, and the end of the day will come soon enough. If you’re really struggling to stay motivated, it might be time to reassess your job satisfaction.
14. Taking extra-long lunches (or disappearing without notice)
Know your office’s break policies and stick to them. Consistently overstaying your lunch or vanishing without explanation makes you look like you’re slacking off. Respect the established work schedule if you want to be seen as reliable and dependable. If you need to step away or run late, communicate this clearly with your supervisor or colleagues.
15. Skipping out on team events
Bonding with your coworkers is an important part of building a strong team. Skipping out on team lunches, happy hours, or other social events makes you look like a loner who’s not invested in your colleagues. Make an effort to attend at least some of these gatherings, even if you’re an introvert. It shows that you value your team and want to be a part of the group.
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