Never do these things at work
We understand that everyone feels the PC police are all over the place nowadays but at the same time the behavior in many offices has got out of hand. Sadly many people aren’t even aware of their offensive or annoying activities or worse they just don’t care. For those of you who are not sure what is considered rude or offensive in the workplace here is a list of definite office don’ts for everyone even if you are the boss:
Take dramatic or angry personal phone calls
Sure horrible calls can happen but it doesn’t mean you have to subject everyone else to your drama. The office is not the place to do battle with your other half, your kids, your siblings or your mates. Keep your relationship issues private, never take these calls where you can be overheard.
Send emails you don’t want your boss to see
If you are considering sending something offensive, sloppy or stupid just don’t. In the wrong hands it might hurt your employers reputation and your own. Never assume that your email, even your personal email on Company Wi-Fi is private. It isn’t.
Gossip about your workmates
Whatever information you’re spreading about someone won’t make anyone look as bad as you make yourself appear for being a nasty uncaring spreader of gossip. Never go down this road and this includes bad mouthing your boss.
Lie to make yourself look good
Technology makes it easy to exaggerate your credentials, it also makes it easy to find out the truth. Small lies will hurt you in big ways and someone will always bring the truth to light.
Flirt with your boss or a workmate
Office romances make for exciting television programs but more often than not they lead to awkward situations in real life. Keep your love interest outside the workplace. Desperate to find a boy/girl friend? Try a dating site, don’t hit on someone at work.
Interrupt or butt into conversations
When you interrupt or butt into a conversation you not only frustrate the person you are talking to but you give them a negative impression of yourself. Learn to listen, it really is a great skill to have and you will gain respect from colleagues.
Get too comfortable
Definitely society has become more casual, people don’t dress up for work as much as they used to and are more familiar in their conversation. That doesn’t mean you can dress like you are going to the pub or swear like a trooper in the office. Consider the impression you are making on your workmates and more importantly your boss.
Come into work drunk, hungover or high as a kite
If you really can’t wait until after work, or you got wasted the night before that you are in a right state in the workplace then it is likely you have a serious problem with substances. Stop subjecting your workmates to your bad behaviour and get some help. If you don’t its likely you will get the sack.
Make your personal life the office focus
Yes you are a human being and that means feelings. But learning to control when and where those feelings are expressed is key. Not everyone wants to hear the latest chapter of your rocky relationship drama. It may be worth mentioning to your boss if something serious happens, like a death in the family or a divorce. Otherwise keep things to yourself and concentrate on your job.
Bully or harass others
If you struggle treating all people with kindness and respect perhaps you should look for a job where you will be working on your own and definitely avoid customer service roles. If you get frustrated easily there is never justification for acting like a child, so never shout or be rude to workmates. Be an adult and remain pleasant, calm and rational at all times.
So to summarise, we spend more time at work than we do at home, so make the workplace a nice place to be. If you are badly behaved in the workplace this will definitely affect your workmates, so if you want to be a valued, appreciated and liked colleague our advise to you is simple – behave yourself.
Good Luck
Angela Burton