10 things you should never do at work

Never do these things at work, not even if you think your work environment differs.

May 30, 2017

Monique Fourie 2 minutes read

Here are ten things you should never do at work.

Never get high or drunk the night before work.

First of all never pitch up at work high or smelling like alcohol. Some may think that this is ‘common sense’, but we need to remember that not everybody thinks like we do. Your boss has the right to test you when you smell like alcohol or if they suspect you are on drugs and will consequently lead to disciplinary action and can get you fired.

Never be late for work.

This will become a problem if it happens weekly/daily. Be sure that your boss will take it up with you at one stage or another even if you think he/she is the friendliest boss on earth. Also don’t pitch up at 7am if you have to start working at 7am, be fifteen minutes early and make sure to start work at 7am. Being late makes you look unprofessional.

Never take your issues or drama to work with you.

If you have issues at home or with a friend or have a frenemy, do not answer their phone calls at work. Leave your issues and drama at home and deal with it in your personal time. Everyone has their own issues and don’t always want to listen to yours.

Never write or say anything you wouldn’t want to publish on social media.

This should probably count in every aspect of your life. Don’t say or write anything that can incriminate or embarrass yourself, your colleague or boss.

Never borrow money from your employer.

Your boss will most probably help out now and again if it is company policy but you shouldn’t rely on this all the time. It could create an uncomfortable situation if you fail to pay on time and you therefore put unnecessary pressure on your employer.

Never share sensitive or confidential information.

You should never do this no matter what the situation is. If something is confidential there is a reason for it being confidential. If you get caught it can have serious consequences.

Never hit on your boss or colleague.

It can be perceived as sexual behaviour and therefore make other person feel uncomfortable and could lead to your dismissal in some circumstances. One should not cause trouble in a place, group, or situation in which one regularly finds oneself. Rather keep it professional at work.

Never spend hours on your social media.

You get paid for the hours you work. If you spend hours on social media you abuse the employers time and money. Simply don’t do this!

Never whine at work.

Complaining and whining are two very different things. Whine definition: give or make a long, high-pitched complaining cry or sound. Complain definition: express dissatisfaction or annoyance about something. When you decide to voice a complaint be sure that it identifies a problem that is fixable with an action plan that you and your organization can implement.

Never talk trash and complain about a coworker to anyone at work.

Don’t burn your bridges. This should also be implemented in every aspect of your life. When you talk trash about someone it usually says more about you than it does of them. Try and get along with everyone and if you really need to talk to someone, talk to a friend or your partner who you can trust.