Lisa O
We get it—sometimes, being careful about what you say and do at work can be a real hassle. But let’s face it—some office behaviors have gone too far. Many people don’t even realize they’re being inappropriate, or worse, they just don’t care. Here’s a crucial list of 20 things you should never do at work, even if you are the boss.
Take loud, angry personal calls
Everyone gets those tough calls occasionally, but you don’t need to drag your personal drama into the office. The workspace isn’t the place for heated arguments with your kids or family. It’s better to deal with these issues in a private spot. Take a break, find a quiet corner, or save it for when you get home.
Spend excessive time on social media
You’re on the clock to be productive, not to play games or catch up with old friends. Unless using social media is part of your job, save it for your lunch break or other downtime. And when you do, stick to your phone instead of using company computers for personal stuff. This helps keep your work time focused and professional.
Stretch the truth to boost your image
Technology makes it tempting to stretch the truth about your credentials, but it also makes it very easy to find out what’s actually true. Even small lies can come back to haunt you, and sooner or later, someone will uncover the real story. It’s better to be honest from the start to avoid bigger problems down the road.
Spread gossip about colleagues
Gossiping at work might make you seem like the life of the party, but a recent study shows it can make you look less competent. Sure, people might ask you to set up social events, but they won’t turn to you for advice on ethical matters. While gossip can sometimes help build relationships and boost morale—it often damages reputations and causes misunderstandings.
Send inappropriate or sloppy emails
If you’re about to send something rude, sloppy, or just plain silly, think again. It could mess up the company’s reputation and look bad on you. Also, remember that your emails—even when using your personal account on company Wi-Fi, aren’t actually private. So double-check before you hit send, and make sure what you’re sending is professional and on point.
Flirt with your boss, coworkers, or subordinates
Office romances might make for juicy TV drama, but they usually end up causing awkward moments and sometimes even legal hassles. It’s best to keep your dating adventures separate from work. If you’re having trouble meeting new people, try online apps. This way, you keep things professional at work and still get to make connections outside the office.
React angrily in the heat of the moment.
The only thing more stressful for your body than being angry is the guilt and worry that comes from blowing up at work. It’s a real strain. Instead, take breaks and find ways to cool down when you’re feeling ticked off. This will help you stay calm and handle things more professionally. Managing your anger and stepping away when needed can make a big difference in how you deal with tough situations.
Come to work when you’re really sick
It’s great that you’re committed to your job, but don’t show off by spreading your flu to the whole office. If you’re feeling under the weather, it’s best to work from home if you can. This way, you keep your germs to yourself and help keep the office healthy. Your well-being and your coworkers’ health matter, so avoid bringing illness into the workplace.
Get too casual or comfortable
Society has become more laid-back—with people dressing casually and chatting more informally. But that doesn’t mean wearing sweats and using bad language at work is okay. Consider how you come across with your look, attitude, and actions. Don’t assume everyone’s cool with your performance just because you’re causing some trouble or irritation.
Play loud sounds or music on your computer
The office is all about getting things done and staying focused. Even if cat videos or electronic beats help you concentrate, they can really bug your coworkers in a small space. Do everyone a solid by keeping the noise down and being mindful of your surroundings. This way, other employees can work without getting distracted.
Show up intoxicated or under the influence
If you can’t hold off until after work or you’re still feeling the effects of a rough night, you might have a serious substance issue. It’s not fair to make your coworkers deal with the mess from your addiction. Get some help and support—you’re probably not hiding it as well as you think. Taking action will help you and make things better at work for everyone.
Interrupt others while they’re working
Just because you’re not focused on getting things done doesn’t mean everyone else feels the same way. Respect their drive to succeed. Many people use headphones to show they’re busy with something important or really focused. So give them space and either email them or wait until they’re done with their headphones before trying to chat.
Use heavy perfume or cologne
Strong scents in an enclosed space can be more than annoying—they can give some people headaches or trigger allergies. To keep everyone feeling good, stick to a fresh and neutral atmosphere. Avoid heavy perfumes or strong air fresheners that might upset others. Keeping things mild and pleasant helps everyone stay comfortable and happy.
Steal office supplies
Stealing is never acceptable. There’s no reason to take things that aren’t yours. Your company doesn’t owe you anything extra beyond your paycheck. If you feel like you deserve more, talk to your boss about it instead of swiping stuff from the office. Bringing up your concerns directly is way better than stealing and will avoid any unnecessary trouble.
Let your phone ring loudly or buzz constantly
There’s no need to let your phone ring loudly and drive everyone crazy. If you’re waiting for a call, keep it on vibrate in your pocket or on silent on your desk where you can see it. It’s annoying when someone’s “silent” phone keeps buzzing loudly with every text or notification. And seriously—don’t pick a loud rock song for your ringtone.
Bully or harass others
If you find it tough to be nice and respectful to everyone, you might want to go for a job where you work solo. Jobs where you deal with customers might not be the best fit if you’re struggling with this. Working alone or in a less social role could be a better choice and save you from situations where you need to be great with people.
Isolate yourself from the team
Most workplaces rely on people interacting with each other, and if you stay isolated—it can really annoy and demotivate your teammates. To be seen as a valuable part of the team, make an effort to engage with others and share helpful information. Getting involved not only helps you contribute but also helps build good vibes with your coworkers.
Share confidential information
What happens at your office should stay at your office. It’s super important to keep private information private and not share it outside. If you’re unsure whether something is sensitive or confidential—it’s better to play it safe and keep it to yourself. This way, you’ll avoid any potential problems and maintain trust with your colleagues.
Create unnecessary drama or conspiracies
Causing disruptions in a team just makes everyone’s job harder and brings down morale and productivity. Instead of adding to the chaos—be straightforward with your team. Work on fixing issues together instead of creating new problems. This way, everyone can stay motivated, work better together, and get things done more efficiently.
Complain or yell at people
It’s totally normal to get frustrated now and then, but throwing a tantrum isn’t going to help. Instead, tap into your inner grown-up by staying calm, level-headed, and friendly. By doing this—you can tackle the problem more effectively and keep things professional. Handling problems maturely not only helps you solve them faster but also keeps the atmosphere positive.