Common workplace mistakes that can affect your career

Nervous ticks, Not nodding or smiling, Exaggerated gestures, Spending too much time on social media, Leaning on walls or furniture, Listening to music or other audio without headphones, Weak handshake, Not smiling, Wearing too much perfume, Hiding your hands, Spending too much time on your own, Interrupting other people while they're working, Not adapting yourself to your coworkers, Invading your coworker's personal space, Not listening during a conversation

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.

Nervous ticks

Nervous ticks, Not nodding or smiling, Exaggerated gestures, Spending too much time on social media, Leaning on walls or furniture, Listening to music or other audio without headphones, Weak handshake, Not smiling, Wearing too much perfume, Hiding your hands, Spending too much time on your own, Interrupting other people while they're working, Not adapting yourself to your coworkers, Invading your coworker's personal space, Not listening during a conversation

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.

Not nodding or smiling

Nervous ticks, Not nodding or smiling, Exaggerated gestures, Spending too much time on social media, Leaning on walls or furniture, Listening to music or other audio without headphones, Weak handshake, Not smiling, Wearing too much perfume, Hiding your hands, Spending too much time on your own, Interrupting other people while they're working, Not adapting yourself to your coworkers, Invading your coworker's personal space, Not listening during a conversation

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.

Exaggerated gestures

Nervous ticks, Not nodding or smiling, Exaggerated gestures, Spending too much time on social media, Leaning on walls or furniture, Listening to music or other audio without headphones, Weak handshake, Not smiling, Wearing too much perfume, Hiding your hands, Spending too much time on your own, Interrupting other people while they're working, Not adapting yourself to your coworkers, Invading your coworker's personal space, Not listening during a conversation

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.

Spending too much time on social media

Nervous ticks, Not nodding or smiling, Exaggerated gestures, Spending too much time on social media, Leaning on walls or furniture, Listening to music or other audio without headphones, Weak handshake, Not smiling, Wearing too much perfume, Hiding your hands, Spending too much time on your own, Interrupting other people while they're working, Not adapting yourself to your coworkers, Invading your coworker's personal space, Not listening during a conversation

You're being paid to work, not to goof off on the internet.

Leaning on walls or furniture

Nervous ticks, Not nodding or smiling, Exaggerated gestures, Spending too much time on social media, Leaning on walls or furniture, Listening to music or other audio without headphones, Weak handshake, Not smiling, Wearing too much perfume, Hiding your hands, Spending too much time on your own, Interrupting other people while they're working, Not adapting yourself to your coworkers, Invading your coworker's personal space, Not listening during a conversation

Make sure to walk and stand up straight. This transmits the message that you are confident.

Gossip

Nervous ticks, Not nodding or smiling, Exaggerated gestures, Spending too much time on social media, Leaning on walls or furniture, Listening to music or other audio without headphones, Weak handshake, Not smiling, Wearing too much perfume, Hiding your hands, Spending too much time on your own, Interrupting other people while they're working, Not adapting yourself to your coworkers, Invading your coworker's personal space, Not listening during a conversation

Regardless of how bad the story is, you'll look worse just for spreading it around.

Listening to music or other audio without headphones

Nervous ticks, Not nodding or smiling, Exaggerated gestures, Spending too much time on social media, Leaning on walls or furniture, Listening to music or other audio without headphones, Weak handshake, Not smiling, Wearing too much perfume, Hiding your hands, Spending too much time on your own, Interrupting other people while they're working, Not adapting yourself to your coworkers, Invading your coworker's personal space, Not listening during a conversation

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.

Weak handshake

Nervous ticks, Not nodding or smiling, Exaggerated gestures, Spending too much time on social media, Leaning on walls or furniture, Listening to music or other audio without headphones, Weak handshake, Not smiling, Wearing too much perfume, Hiding your hands, Spending too much time on your own, Interrupting other people while they're working, Not adapting yourself to your coworkers, Invading your coworker's personal space, Not listening during a conversation

You should always shake hands to greet new people in professional contexts. A firm handshake and eye contact shows empathy.

Not smiling

Nervous ticks, Not nodding or smiling, Exaggerated gestures, Spending too much time on social media, Leaning on walls or furniture, Listening to music or other audio without headphones, Weak handshake, Not smiling, Wearing too much perfume, Hiding your hands, Spending too much time on your own, Interrupting other people while they're working, Not adapting yourself to your coworkers, Invading your coworker's personal space, Not listening during a conversation

Smiling is one of the easiest ways to transmit the message that you are confident in yourself and it's contagious!

Wearing too much perfume

Nervous ticks, Not nodding or smiling, Exaggerated gestures, Spending too much time on social media, Leaning on walls or furniture, Listening to music or other audio without headphones, Weak handshake, Not smiling, Wearing too much perfume, Hiding your hands, Spending too much time on your own, Interrupting other people while they're working, Not adapting yourself to your coworkers, Invading your coworker's personal space, Not listening during a conversation

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.

Hiding your hands

Nervous ticks, Not nodding or smiling, Exaggerated gestures, Spending too much time on social media, Leaning on walls or furniture, Listening to music or other audio without headphones, Weak handshake, Not smiling, Wearing too much perfume, Hiding your hands, Spending too much time on your own, Interrupting other people while they're working, Not adapting yourself to your coworkers, Invading your coworker's personal space, Not listening during a conversation

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.

Spending too much time on your own

Nervous ticks, Not nodding or smiling, Exaggerated gestures, Spending too much time on social media, Leaning on walls or furniture, Listening to music or other audio without headphones, Weak handshake, Not smiling, Wearing too much perfume, Hiding your hands, Spending too much time on your own, Interrupting other people while they're working, Not adapting yourself to your coworkers, Invading your coworker's personal space, Not listening during a conversation

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.

Interrupting other people while they're working

Nervous ticks, Not nodding or smiling, Exaggerated gestures, Spending too much time on social media, Leaning on walls or furniture, Listening to music or other audio without headphones, Weak handshake, Not smiling, Wearing too much perfume, Hiding your hands, Spending too much time on your own, Interrupting other people while they're working, Not adapting yourself to your coworkers, Invading your coworker's personal space, Not listening during a conversation

Even if you have a break in your work, it doesn't mean that everyone else does. Respect the work of your coworkers.

Not adapting yourself to your coworkers

Nervous ticks, Not nodding or smiling, Exaggerated gestures, Spending too much time on social media, Leaning on walls or furniture, Listening to music or other audio without headphones, Weak handshake, Not smiling, Wearing too much perfume, Hiding your hands, Spending too much time on your own, Interrupting other people while they're working, Not adapting yourself to your coworkers, Invading your coworker's personal space, Not listening during a conversation

Adapting yourself to the people around you is a way for them to feel more comfortable and trusting of you.

Invading your coworker's personal space

Nervous ticks, Not nodding or smiling, Exaggerated gestures, Spending too much time on social media, Leaning on walls or furniture, Listening to music or other audio without headphones, Weak handshake, Not smiling, Wearing too much perfume, Hiding your hands, Spending too much time on your own, Interrupting other people while they're working, Not adapting yourself to your coworkers, Invading your coworker's personal space, Not listening during a conversation

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.

Not listening during a conversation

Nervous ticks, Not nodding or smiling, Exaggerated gestures, Spending too much time on social media, Leaning on walls or furniture, Listening to music or other audio without headphones, Weak handshake, Not smiling, Wearing too much perfume, Hiding your hands, Spending too much time on your own, Interrupting other people while they're working, Not adapting yourself to your coworkers, Invading your coworker's personal space, Not listening during a conversation

If you aren't actively listening, you may appear uninterested in the conversation.

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