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Do Nots at the Workplace

Certain behavior patterns are acceptable in the work place while others are not. 

Our professional environment is where we spend most amount of our time in a day. Our colleagues and friends at our office probably interact with us more than anyone else, on a typical day. How do we act around them? What must we do to ensure that we appear professional at all times? Certain behavior patterns are acceptable in the workplace while others are not.

Here are a few things to avoid:

Being the curious cat 

Curiosity comes naturally to all of us. But privacy in the office is sacred. Especially in modern ‘open’ offices, it is expected that staff members will mind their own business. Listening in on phone conversations, peeping into someone else’s computer screen to see what they are working on, reading other’s emails even if their computer is unattended… these behaviors are irritating and are considered unprofessional.

Acting like the boss 

Truly great individuals don’t need to show off or draw attention to themselves. They are generally humble, unassuming and without airs. While it is great to be confident, it is obnoxious to be cocky. Respect has to be earned. So it is good to focus on our work, produce results in line with the respect we want, and treat others the way we would like to be treated.

Being Loud 

There is an old saying that ‘children are meant to be seen and not heard’. The same applies with us adults. We need to recognize that the office space is a shared environment where others are working on different projects. A loud burst of laughter or conversation is only bound to disturb others. So let us be sensitive and keep the volume of our chatter down. For work-related conversations, find an empty conference room and discuss there. Share a joke on neutral ground, like the cafeteria or stairwell, instead of close to other’s desks.

Gossiping 

This is an old one, but still very deadly. There are bound to be stories that circulate, especially around performance appraisals. Let us avoid useless chatter and focus on the work at hand. Also, ensure that we are not the one spreading rumors. Rather than be passive, how good it will be to take an active role in combating erroneous gossip that is harmful to the morale of the team or meant to target an innocent individual. Let us try to think and talk of others’ positive points instead of focusing on their faults and weaknesses!

Stealing 

Several regularly take things like paper, pens, folders, print-outs etc., from the office. This is equal to stealing, and it erodes our integrity!

Lying 

Sometimes people lie in order to be excused from a meeting, or to support their need for a holiday during a particularly busy time. Whatever the situation, lying jeopardises relationships, and this is particularly lethal in a business setting where one’s word is equated to a verbal contract. We lose the trust and confidence others may have placed in us.

Getting too personal or familiar 

No one lives an easy life. Everyone else has their share of personal problems, just as we have ours. It would be naïve to share our personal problems with our work colleagues. So let us leave these issues at home and come to office with a clear mind. Remember, our colleagues aren’t our “personal agony aunts.”

Engaging in affairs and indiscrete behavior 

The office is a place to work and deliver against stringent targets. Given the long hours that we spend at work, it is inevitable that romantic relationships will emerge. Most often, these relationships are inappropriate, especially if one of the persons involved line-manages the other. Whatever the situation, it is best to avoid getting into these kinds of relationships.

Take care …and all the best!

Susan Joseph is a freelance writer and content strategist, who has over 12 years of experience in online communication, in the corporate and NGO sectors. She is presently setting up her own Company. 

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