We’re all guilty of one or many bad work habits. And while showing up 10 minutes late to work a couple times a week might not seem like a big deal, it’s the little things like this that kill your productivity. So if you want that promotion, respect from your coworkers, or just to be a bit better at getting stuff done, here are some examples of bad work habits and how to break them for good.
1. No plan? Make one.
Busy days can be brutally stressful, but planning ahead may give you the extra confidence to be more productive. Take a few minutes at the end of your workday to plan out the day or days ahead. Attacking a to-do list with no plan makes your day more difficult, so turn that bad habit around. You’ll coast through tasks you’ve been dreading with ease.
2. DON’T BE LATE.
Don’t be that person who’s constantly tardy (and regularly judged by others as you stroll in whenever you please). Not only does being late affect your work, but it affects the way peers perceive you. It displays a lack of care and makes you look irresponsible. So if you want to be a more productive (and likeable) person, keep it punctual.
3. Drop poor email etiquette.
A well-written email makes a difference. Make sure your emails include a courteous greeting and address your contact with an appropriate level of formality (Mr., Ms., or the recipient’s first name). Emails with typos are simply not taken as seriously, so spell-check. And include all relevant details or information necessary to understand your message.
4. Ditch procrastination.
Procrastination can kill productivity, so do the worst thing on your to-do list first. This gets the most stressful part of your day over with so you can breeze through your remaining tasks. Hitting a mid-day slump? Get up, walk, stretch, and go grab an afternoon cup of coffee. Setting time limits may also help you stay focused. Giving yourself a limited amount of time to complete a task creates a sense of urgency.
5. Kiss social media goodbye.
Don’t be that person who checks Instagram at their desk 23 times a day. Social media addiction interferes with your productivity and distracts you from important things, like the work you’re actually being paid to do! Just put your phone away. It’s that simple. And if your work doesn’t do it for you, block your favorite social media platforms on your computer.
6. Eliminate the negativity.
If you have an issue with something or someone, talk about it with your manager privately rather than bringing it up to your coworkers. Talking to people about your issues rather than taking steps to solve them just spreads negativity. So be positive and don’t waste your time complaining.
Any other bad work habits we missed? Tweet us your thoughts @moproteam. Confessions to bad habits not required (but definitely preferred).