We all have our little quirks and habits. Some of them are harmless and even endearing. Others, however, can be downright detrimental to both our individual productivity and the overall workplace atmosphere.
While some bad workplace habits are relatively easy to break, others can be more difficult to change. But it’s important to be aware of the impact they may be having on yourself and those around you. Here are some common unhealthy habits that you might want to consider breaking:
>>Being Late: This one is pretty straightforward. Showing up late for work, meetings, or deadlines not only reflects >>Being Late: This one is pretty straightforward. Showing up late for work, meetings, or deadlines not only reflects poorly on you but can also throw off the entire team. If you’re regularly running behind schedule, try setting your clock ahead by 5-10 minutes to give yourself a buffer. And if you know you’re going to be late for something, do your best to let others know in advance.
>>Gossiping: Gossiping can create an atmosphere of distrust and negativity in the workplace. If you find yourself engaging in this behavior, try reframing the conversation by asking questions that prompt positive discussion instead. For example, “What are some things we can do to improve teamwork?” or “What was your favorite project to work on?”
>>Multitasking: Contrary to popular belief, multitasking is actually less efficient than completing one task at a time. When we try to do too many things at once, our brain becomes overloaded and we make more mistakes. If you find yourself constantly trying to juggle multiple tasks, try focusing on one thing at a time and setting aside specific blocks of time for each task.
>>Being Disorganized:An unorganized workspace can lead to lost documents, missed deadlines, and general frustration. If your desk is starting to resemble a war zone, take a few minutes each day to tidy it up. You may also want to consider using an electronic filing system to keep track of important documents.
>>Not Taking Breaks: Working non-stop can actually be counterproductive. Our brains need time to rest and recharge in order to stay sharp. So, be sure to take a few breaks throughout the day – even if it’s just for a few minutes. Step away from your desk, stretch your legs, and take some deep breaths.
By breaking these unhealthy habits, you can improve your own productivity and wellbeing, as well as create a more positive workplace environment.
Now, there are many good habits that can be beneficial to you and those around you at work. Below are some examples of good habits that can help make your workplace a better environment:
>>Showing up on time and being present: Being on time and present are important habits to have at work. Being on time shows that you are responsible and can be counted on. It also sets the tone for the rest of the day – if you’re late, it’s harder to get started and be productive. And if you’re not present, it’s hard to focus and do your best work.
>>Keeping an open mind and listening to others: One of the most important things One of the most important things you can do in your career is to keep an open mind. This means being willing to listen to others, even if you don’t agree with them. It also means being flexible and adaptable, which are two essential qualities in today’s ever-changing workplace. At ActionCOACH we encourage you to to exchange “I know” for “Isn’t that interesting” to facilitate a more open dialog.
>> Be a good communicator: Communication is essential in any workplace. Whether you’re communicating with your boss or colleagues, it’s important to be clear and concise. This will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and prevent misunderstandings. Listen for understanding and not for what you are going to say next.
>>Paying attention to detail and quality: When you pay attention to detail, you are more likely to notice when something is not quite right. This can help you fix problems before they become bigger issues. Additionally, paying attention to detail can help you produce a higher-quality product. Ask clarifying questions and summarize your understanding of the task or conversation to avoid misunderstandings.
>>Taking responsibility for your actions: Assuming responsibility for your actions is a great habit to develop for work. It shows that you are capable of taking ownership of your role in a project and that you are willing to be accountable for your part in its success or failure. This can instill confidence in those who have to rely on you and can make you a more valuable member of any team. No one should expect perfection, but integrity and ownership is a valuable characteristic. Zig Zigler says, “If people like you, they will listen to you, but if they trust you, they’ll do business with you.” Showing responsibility and taking ownership is a vital way to build trust.
Creating a healthy and productive workplace starts with each individual employee. We all have a responsibility to ourselves and to our coworkers to be aware of our habits and how they affect those around us. Let’s make a conscious effort to break the unhealthy habits and cultivate healthy ones!
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