Things You Must Avoid Doing at the Workplace
Everyone seems to know what to do at the workplace, but fewer people know — or care — about what to avoid at the workplace. You already know that you should arrive at the office in time, get your work done as fast as possible, and respect constituted authority, but there are also many things you shouldn’t do at your place of work.
Being armed with necessary information like this will help you have a better, sweeter, and more enjoyable experience at work. Without wasting much of our time, let’s get right into those things that you, of a must shouldn’t do at work.
Do Not Complain Excessively
Nobody likes a Debbie Downer, even if all they say is true. The office can often be the most annoying place to be. Sometimes, the situation surrounding how you work may be so upsetting that you’d feel a need to complain, and of course, you have every right to do so. However, if your complaints become frequent and excessive, you might begin constituting a nuisance to the office and all it stands for. There are decent ways to express your displeasure about a particular happening or the way something is being handled, without becoming annoying. The more you rant and complain, the greater the possibility that you’d end up saying something that could land you in big trouble. So, if you happen to have issues with the nature of your work, your colleagues, or an impossible task, reach out to someone.
Don’t Always Be Available
You already have a lot of work to deal with on your table. Sometimes, there might be a need to assist a colleague or two with some of their work, which is in no way wrong. But making yourself available to do everyone’s jobs, while still dealing with yours can affect your overall performance in the long run. There’s only so much you can do. And remember that while at work, it’s really not about how much work you carry, it’s more about how well you do the jobs you’ve been assigned to. So, avoid taking on far more than you can bear. Do what you have been employed to do, assist a few other people who genuinely need your help, and end it there.
Don’t Dress Inappropriately
Every organization has a dress code. Whether it’s Business Professional, Business Casual, or full-on casual, ensure that your outfits align with the organization’s stance on style. Regardless of how flexible your organization might be with respect to how their workers dress, ensure that decency guides your choice of clothing. Also, strive to be neatly dressed at all times. Ensure your outfits are properly laundered. Iron what you should.
In addition, avoid wearing clothes with offensive slogans or languages. Any outfit with inscriptions capable of inciting hatred, fights, and the likes should not be worn to the office. In the comfort of your homes, with friends and family, e.t.c, you can express yourself as much as you want.
Don’t Spend Too Much Time on Non-work Related Stuff
You were employed for a reason, remember? No matter how busy your office might seem, someone might just be watching you, noting what your work habits are — you never can tell. Sometimes, it’s a manager. Sometimes, a co-worker. But whoever it is, be sure that the person would notice how much time you spend browsing through social media as opposed to getting your job done. Who knows? Even the organization you work for might be tracking your internet or network data. And what if no one’s watching? For integrity’s sake, do the right thing. When you’re on a break, it’s an entirely different situation. However, when you should be working, ensure that you are. Spare yourself the heartache of having to defend yourself before your superiors for stuff like this. You do not need it, and neither does your reputation.
If Ill, Stay at Home
Many times, we choose to come to work even when we feel under the weather. If all you feel is a slight headache, then maybe you can drag yourself all the way to the office. But if you happen to be coughing, have a bad cold, or any of those things which may be contagious, do well to inform your employer ahead and stay back at home. Explain the situation of things to whoever you ought to, and you’re sure to get permitted to work from home, or even take the day off.