Top Unacceptable Workplace Behaviors
There are some things you should never do at work. Stepping over the line of familiarity and being unprofessional can cost you dearly. If the chance of a promotion arises and candidates are considered, you will be left behind if you have told politically incorrect jokes, spilled details of your love life around the office, or gossiped. Knowing how to behave can save you from embarrassment and put you in a better position to progress.
Presenting an unprofessional image
There are many ways you might inadvertently present an unprofessional image, including your appearance. Even on casual Fridays, when a less conservative approach can be taken, you should not wear a sloppy tracksuit or dress as though you are going on a date.
Gossip
You may think that gossiping helps your day pass quickly, but it will not be beneficial. You might be accused of spreading incorrect information, and could accidentally cause a colleague stress. Gossips get a bad reputation and are not trusted at work.
Personal details
You may get on well with your colleagues; however, refrain from telling them intimate details about your private life. If you know them well enough to do so, you will see them regularly outside of the office when it is okay to talk more intimately. If this is not the case, you should not be wearing your heart on your sleeve in front of them.
Non-Politically correct
Your sense of humor is personal, but you should be aware that the workplace is not somewhere to engage in sexist, ageist, or racist jokes that could offend others and make you appear morally doubtful.
Flirting
There is time for flirting outside the office. Flirting at work can cause embarrassment and be distracting to others. Stay professional at all times.
Stealing
Obviously, you would never steal anything major from work, but perhaps ‘borrowing’ the odd box of paper clips or copy paper may not seem like a serious offence. However, stealing is stealing, whichever way you dress it up, and if you are caught your reputation will be wrecked and you could lose your job.
Stealing thunder
Stealing someone else’s thunder, or rather pretending that their good idea at work is yours, is a bad way to behave. Not only will it alienate you from colleagues, but it will also help you accumulate enemies, and your dishonest behavior could come back to haunt you later.
Slacking
Everyone has off-days when they lack energy and do not feel up to par. However, it is best to struggle on and make an effort to succeed, otherwise the tasks you should be doing will be passed to other employees who will not thank you for the extra workload. Eventually, if you are lazy, your employer will notice and you will be demoted or looked over when good opportunities arise.
Bad mouthing
Bad mouthing refers to saying unfortunate things about co-workers or your boss behind their back. You probably will not like everyone at work, and some people may get on your nerves. However, although putting up with them can be tough, it's part of being an employee. If you speak unkindly behind people's backs, you can be sure they will bad mouth you in return.
Looking after number one
You always want to protect your best interests at work, and you should. However, you also need to make an effort to work as a team and be helpful. When a colleague is stuck with a task and does not know what to do, or needs cover as they have a sick family member, step-up and help. They will help you back when you need it, and you will come across as a great colleague to work with.
There are many other behaviors it is wise to avoid at work, but the ten mentioned here are most important if you want to get ahead and have an easier time at work.
