Five Ways to Practice At Work

16 Apr Five Ways to Practice At Work

Despite the fact that we can probably all relate to the convictions in Alan Jackson’s “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” the reality is that all of us allot a lot of time at work. Whether it’s doing work the day or night shift, full or part-time, work is a necessity because it’s how we pay our bills and take care of our families.

But. There can be all kinds of drama at work, and if one thing’s for sure, you don’t want to get on the wrong side of things with your boss. A part of being a good employee is not only doing your work, but also adding to a positive environment when you’re there. If you prefer to be an asset to your boss and the company as a whole, the following are five habits to cultivate at work.

First avoid getting on the gossip train. There’s that old adage that a house divided against itself can not stand, and that’s certainly true at work, too. If you wish to have a work team that depends on each other and works well together, you can’t spend any time talking negatively about coworkers or talking behind each other’s backs. Besides, if you’re a parent (or have talked to one), you’ll know that nothing is as tedious as constantly having to deal with arguments. Gossiping behavior is something that every boss would prefer to avoid, and it gets annoying and wearing, too.

Second, don’t try to get on the commanding lead with management. Just do your job, and do it well. Owners and managers don’t want someone always loitering acting like their bestie, trying to constantly be “in the know” at work. And, update, the other employees will think it’s unacceptable, too. It’s not gon na do you a favor any way you look at it.

Third, if you want to show you’re responsible, appreciate your job, and respect the commitments you’ve made, don’t be late for work. It’s quite another if you’re the employee that’s perpetually showing up five, ten, or fifteen minutes late, coming in taking your coffee and your sprinkled favorite from Dunkin’ Donuts. Keep up that habit, and you’ll probably be asked to leave.

Fourth, place your phone away. Done and done. In this particular day of frequently checking phones for text messages, emails, or playing the latest level of the game we’re now hooked on, one thing needs to get through our heads: when you’re working, you’ve got ta work. Nothing is going to make your boss more suspicious that you’re not getting your job done than observing you looking at your screen (or hurriedly shoving it in your purse or drawer) as they walk by for the fifth time in a morning. Bottom line? You should be doing something to deserve that pay when they’re paying you.

Fifth and lastly, save your chit-chatting for lunch or the break room. In certain cases you have the periodic conversation as you’re working side by side (and that’s normal), but if you’re constantly getting up from your desk, going to get water, and talking with everyone on the way, it’s not going to appear like you’re very worthwhile. Oh, and what about going to the bathroom every half hour, too? Yeah … not going to work to your benefit. Word to the wise? Stay at your desk. Prioritize your work for the day, plug in, and organize what you’re asked to do.

These five simple practices will go a long way to resulting in a good work culture and valuing your boss’ trust. The thing is, if your boss knows you are a hard worker, competent, and trustworthy, you’re much more likely to get those promotions you want and know your job is safe, too.

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