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0 / 29 Fotos
Nervous ticks - Knuckle cracking, hair playing, nail biting, or chewing on a pen are some of the nervous ticks you should avoid as they may make you look unprofessional, anxious, and incompetent.
© iStock
1 / 29 Fotos
Not nodding or smiling
- A simple smile or head nod while another person is talking are ways to show that you are listening and understanding what they are saying.
© Shutterstock
2 / 29 Fotos
Exaggerated gestures - It is common to experience a more relaxed and friendly environment in newer companies. However, try not to use overly exaggerated gestures as you may be perceived as unprofessional.
© iStock
3 / 29 Fotos
Spending too much time on social media - You're being paid to work, not to goof off on the internet.
© iStock
4 / 29 Fotos
Leaning on walls or furniture - Make sure to walk and stand up straight. This transmits the message that you are confident.
© iStock
5 / 29 Fotos
Slouching - Sitting incorrectly not only causes health problems, but can also send the message that you don't care about your work and are bored.
© iStock
6 / 29 Fotos
Gossip - Regardless of how bad the story is, you'll look worse just for spreading it around.
© iStock
7 / 29 Fotos
Not greeting others - It's important to always greet your coworkers with a smile or 'good morning.'
© iStock
8 / 29 Fotos
Listening to music or other audio without headphones - Some people can't work without listening to music. In certain professions, this is perfectly acceptable, however, you should always use headphones so as not to disturb those around you.
© iStock
9 / 29 Fotos
Not making eye contact - It's always important to make eye contact when speaking with others. This shows that you are interested in what the other person is saying.
© iStock
10 / 29 Fotos
Weak handshake - You should always shake hands to greet new people in professional contexts. A firm handshake and eye contact shows empathy.
© iStock
11 / 29 Fotos
Constantly using your cellphone - During meetings, avoid being on your phone. If you do so, you are showing a lack of respect for the person speaking, as well as a lack of interest in the conversation. If you really must use your phone, apologize and excuse yourself.
© iStock
12 / 29 Fotos
Not smiling - Smiling is one of the easiest ways to transmit the message that you are confident in yourself and it's contagious!
© iStock
13 / 29 Fotos
Arguing over the phone - Sometimes we have to take a call to resolve issues in our personal lives. However, this doesn't mean that everyone around you should have to listen. If you need to make a more 'complicated' phone call, do it far from your coworkers.
© iStock
14 / 29 Fotos
Wearing too much perfume - In any location where you are among others in a confined space, excessive odors are always a big no-no. Some people experience headaches when exposed to excessive perfume use by others.
© iStock
15 / 29 Fotos
Working when sick - Your dedication to your work is admirable, however, exposing others to your germs when you're sick is not very nice. If possible, work from home.
© iStock
16 / 29 Fotos
Hiding your hands - This is a typical habit in introverted individuals. However, hiding your hands when talking with others can send the message that you are not confident in yourself. People will feel a stronger connection to you if you gesture with your hands while you talk.
© iStock
17 / 29 Fotos
Crossing your arms - This may seem like just a comfortable position when you're in a meeting or reading something on your computer. However, this body posture can send negative messages to those around you. You may be perceived as defensive, stubborn, or distant.
© iStock
18 / 29 Fotos
Spending too much time on your own - If you're just starting a new job, it's natural to feel shy and left out. Even if it's uncomfortable at first, try integrating yourself into the group and getting to know your coworkers.
© iStock
19 / 29 Fotos
Rolling your eyes - Rolling your eyes is considered rude.
© iStock
20 / 29 Fotos
Interrupting other people while they're working - Even if you have a break in your work, it doesn't mean that everyone else does. Respect the work of your coworkers.
© iStock
21 / 29 Fotos
Continuously checking the clock - If you're caught constantly looking at the clock, it may appear as if you're impatient or disrespecting the person with whom you are speaking.
© iStock
22 / 29 Fotos
Not adapting yourself to your coworkers - Adapting yourself to the people around you is a way for them to feel more comfortable and trusting of you.
© iStock
23 / 29 Fotos
Looking bored
- Are you constantly looking at the clock or doodling on a piece of paper? These are behaviors that demonstrate boredom and may be frowned upon by your boss. Try to be proactive and help out a coworker or go for a walk if you're feeling bored.
© Shutterstock
24 / 29 Fotos
Invading your coworker's personal space - Even if you have a close relationship with your coworker, you should try not to invade their personal space. If you do so, you can make the person feel uncomfortable or threatened by your presence.
© iStock
25 / 29 Fotos
Heating up strong-smelling food - Kitchens and break rooms tend to generate some confusion as multiple coworkers are trying to heat up their food and eat at the same time. Try not to bring meals with strong odors as it could bother those around you.
© iStock
26 / 29 Fotos
Not listening during a conversation - If you aren't actively listening, you may appear uninterested in the conversation.
© iStock
27 / 29 Fotos
Sending emails that you wouldn't want your boss to see
- If you're thinking about sending an offensive email, even jokingly, don't do it. If it falls into the wrong hands, you could ruin both your own reputation and that of the company. See also: Office romances: the do's and don'ts
© iStock
28 / 29 Fotos
© Shutterstock
0 / 29 Fotos
Nervous ticks - Knuckle cracking, hair playing, nail biting, or chewing on a pen are some of the nervous ticks you should avoid as they may make you look unprofessional, anxious, and incompetent.
© iStock
1 / 29 Fotos
Not nodding or smiling
- A simple smile or head nod while another person is talking are ways to show that you are listening and understanding what they are saying.
© Shutterstock
2 / 29 Fotos
Exaggerated gestures - It is common to experience a more relaxed and friendly environment in newer companies. However, try not to use overly exaggerated gestures as you may be perceived as unprofessional.
© iStock
3 / 29 Fotos
Spending too much time on social media - You're being paid to work, not to goof off on the internet.
© iStock
4 / 29 Fotos
Leaning on walls or furniture - Make sure to walk and stand up straight. This transmits the message that you are confident.
© iStock
5 / 29 Fotos
Slouching - Sitting incorrectly not only causes health problems, but can also send the message that you don't care about your work and are bored.
© iStock
6 / 29 Fotos
Gossip - Regardless of how bad the story is, you'll look worse just for spreading it around.
© iStock
7 / 29 Fotos
Not greeting others - It's important to always greet your coworkers with a smile or 'good morning.'
© iStock
8 / 29 Fotos
Listening to music or other audio without headphones - Some people can't work without listening to music. In certain professions, this is perfectly acceptable, however, you should always use headphones so as not to disturb those around you.
© iStock
9 / 29 Fotos
Not making eye contact - It's always important to make eye contact when speaking with others. This shows that you are interested in what the other person is saying.
© iStock
10 / 29 Fotos
Weak handshake - You should always shake hands to greet new people in professional contexts. A firm handshake and eye contact shows empathy.
© iStock
11 / 29 Fotos
Constantly using your cellphone - During meetings, avoid being on your phone. If you do so, you are showing a lack of respect for the person speaking, as well as a lack of interest in the conversation. If you really must use your phone, apologize and excuse yourself.
© iStock
12 / 29 Fotos
Not smiling - Smiling is one of the easiest ways to transmit the message that you are confident in yourself and it's contagious!
© iStock
13 / 29 Fotos
Arguing over the phone - Sometimes we have to take a call to resolve issues in our personal lives. However, this doesn't mean that everyone around you should have to listen. If you need to make a more 'complicated' phone call, do it far from your coworkers.
© iStock
14 / 29 Fotos
Wearing too much perfume - In any location where you are among others in a confined space, excessive odors are always a big no-no. Some people experience headaches when exposed to excessive perfume use by others.
© iStock
15 / 29 Fotos
Working when sick - Your dedication to your work is admirable, however, exposing others to your germs when you're sick is not very nice. If possible, work from home.
© iStock
16 / 29 Fotos
Hiding your hands - This is a typical habit in introverted individuals. However, hiding your hands when talking with others can send the message that you are not confident in yourself. People will feel a stronger connection to you if you gesture with your hands while you talk.
© iStock
17 / 29 Fotos
Crossing your arms - This may seem like just a comfortable position when you're in a meeting or reading something on your computer. However, this body posture can send negative messages to those around you. You may be perceived as defensive, stubborn, or distant.
© iStock
18 / 29 Fotos
Spending too much time on your own - If you're just starting a new job, it's natural to feel shy and left out. Even if it's uncomfortable at first, try integrating yourself into the group and getting to know your coworkers.
© iStock
19 / 29 Fotos
Rolling your eyes - Rolling your eyes is considered rude.
© iStock
20 / 29 Fotos
Interrupting other people while they're working - Even if you have a break in your work, it doesn't mean that everyone else does. Respect the work of your coworkers.
© iStock
21 / 29 Fotos
Continuously checking the clock - If you're caught constantly looking at the clock, it may appear as if you're impatient or disrespecting the person with whom you are speaking.
© iStock
22 / 29 Fotos
Not adapting yourself to your coworkers - Adapting yourself to the people around you is a way for them to feel more comfortable and trusting of you.
© iStock
23 / 29 Fotos
Looking bored
- Are you constantly looking at the clock or doodling on a piece of paper? These are behaviors that demonstrate boredom and may be frowned upon by your boss. Try to be proactive and help out a coworker or go for a walk if you're feeling bored.
© Shutterstock
24 / 29 Fotos
Invading your coworker's personal space - Even if you have a close relationship with your coworker, you should try not to invade their personal space. If you do so, you can make the person feel uncomfortable or threatened by your presence.
© iStock
25 / 29 Fotos
Heating up strong-smelling food - Kitchens and break rooms tend to generate some confusion as multiple coworkers are trying to heat up their food and eat at the same time. Try not to bring meals with strong odors as it could bother those around you.
© iStock
26 / 29 Fotos
Not listening during a conversation - If you aren't actively listening, you may appear uninterested in the conversation.
© iStock
27 / 29 Fotos
Sending emails that you wouldn't want your boss to see
- If you're thinking about sending an offensive email, even jokingly, don't do it. If it falls into the wrong hands, you could ruin both your own reputation and that of the company. See also: Office romances: the do's and don'ts
© iStock
28 / 29 Fotos
Common workplace mistakes that can affect your career
The habits and behaviors that make you look unprofessional at work
© iStock
There is a universal office etiquette that everyone should follow. Respecting your coworkers and superiors is just one of them. However, there are certain behaviors and habits that you should avoid if you want to be more successful at your job.
Click on the following gallery to learn what not to do at your workplace.
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