We pick up very many unhealthy and unproductive habits while we are at work without even realizing it. It is very important to be aware of these habits so that you can watch out for them and rectify them if you already have them. Below are some of the most common habits people pick up in the workplace.
Negative Work Habits That You Should Avoid
1. Failing to Take a Lunch Break
Most people fall into this trap without even realizing it. You find yourself eating at your desk to finish an urgent project, and before you know it, it is a daily habit. You might not think eating at your desk is a problem, but it is.
For one, it makes your desk really dirty. Research has shown that most work desks are 70% dirtier than most toilets. It means eating at your desk compromises your health. Taking a lunch break stroll is also important because it boosts your immune and digestive system and enhances your energy levels. This improves your productivity when you start working again.
2. Failing to Drink Enough Water
Most people underestimate the importance of drinking water while they work. This is one of the worst habits you can develop at work. Water not only boosts your energy levels but also prevents headaches. Apart from this, when you get up from your sit to go and get some water, it helps you relax your muscles and brain.
3. Bad Posture
It is very easy to develop a bad posture especially when your job requires you to sit behind a desk all day long. Fatigue and boredom can make you slump without even thinking about it. Slouching has a number of disadvantages. First and foremost, it makes you develop back problems. You might not feel it now but you will eventually if you keep up with this. Slouching also makes you seem less confident which gives your colleagues and employer a bad perception of you.
4. Workplace Gossip
It’s not bad to vent and listen to your colleagues as they complain about what’s wrong in their lives from time to time. In fact, doing this makes it possible for you to deal with your emotions and get over a bad day. However, there are times when office gossip gets out of hand. If you notice that the gossip sessions are preventing you from doing your job or they mainly involve backbiting, it is time for you to stop and focus on your job. Failure to do so might affect not only your relationships at work but also your overall productivity.
5. Not Knowing When to Say No
It is natural to get an ego-boost every time your boss compliments how much work you do compared to the other employees. However, do not let the compliments convince you to take on more projects than you can handle. Employees are tempted to do as much work as possible even when they are exhausted just to please their bosses. Doing this is very disadvantageous for your health. It can cause anxiety, stress, fatigue, lack of sleep and it will slowly affect your productivity at work. For this reason, it is very important to learn how to say no. The next time your boss wants you to do more work than you can handle, ask them which task they want you to prioritize and which one you can work on later. It gives you the opportunity to work within your limits without looking like you are refusing to do the job.
6. Taking Your Work Projects Home
Most employees would like to make a good impression at their workplace so that they can be considered for promotions and salary increments. Therefore, most employees go as far as taking their work home so that they can stand from other employees. It is the wrong way to go about it. Taking your projects home makes it impossible for you to spend time with your family and it makes it impossible for you to unwind. Thus it can cause stress and anxiety, and it might make you resent your job.
7. Working Overtime
Research has shown that employees who work overtime rarely accomplish as much as those who leave on time. This actually makes sense. When you know you have to leave work at a certain time, you stay focused on all your duties and ensure they are completed by the time you have to leave. However, if you have made plans to work overtime, you can waste time on Facebook, gossiping and zoning out in the workplace. Leaving work when you are supposed to makes you more productive the next day because you get enough time to relax and unwind from work. If this is a problem for you, force yourself to leave by signing up for a class or planning an activity after work until you learn how to leave on time.
8. Having a Cluttered Desk
It is very important to keep your desk organized at all times. Too much stuff on your desk can make you really counterproductive. The clutter will distract you because there will be too much in your direct vision. Clear your desk by removing everything you no longer need and anything that is taking too much space from your desk, but it’s not important. This will not only give you more working space but also improve your productivity.
The Bottom Line
You need to watch out for workplace habits that not only compromise your health but also interfere with your productivity. It is not easy to get rid of a habit. However, with practice and consistency, you can break every bad habit you have formed in the workplace. Identify a better habit to replace your bad habit with and work at it until you get it right. It will take time, but it will be worth it. You will surely notice an improvement in your productivity, and it will definitely be good for your health.
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