Business Blunders: Mistakes That May Be Holding You Back At Work (From The Boss’s Perspective)

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

Finding a job you absolutely enjoy is quite “uncommon”, but even more rare is finding an exemplary employer. Well, before you go “boss bashing”, you should ask yourself how good of an employee you are.

According to professionals, while us regular Joes and Janes are busy looking for that coveted “company environment”, bosses and employers alike are searching for workers they can trust and rely on. And, that holds especially true for highly competitive jobs and industries, with literally thousands vying for the same position.

So, you ask, what makes one candidate more “appealing” than the other? Believe it or not, it has less to do with your education and experience, and more to do with your basic “life” skills, and work ethic. Here are some arenas in need of improvement.

1. Abusive Behavior: There’s nothing wrong with a bit of downtime or taking “advantage” of sick leave, when you are truly in need of some recuperation and R& R. In fact, that’s why many companies have even added “personal days” or “mental health days” to the list of time away from the office that you are entitled to. Still, many note, that the more they give, the more people (who work for them seem to expect and take false advantage of) They note, that (generally speaking), employees who call in sick, usually aren’t…and are commonly “abusing” the system for their own personal games. This, they claim contributes to a lack of faith in the employee, his/her dedication to the company and the job, and to the ability to get the work (that they were hired to do) done.

2. Plebeian Public Appearance: While bosses are savvy to the fact that office attire and acceptable professional style has changed, they note that they are uncomfortable with the debasement of “casual” (work) attire, with employees often dressing a bit “too” casually (women revealing a bit too much), or coming in to the office with un-ironed, unkempt attire and ensembles. But, further than that, they not, that many are even lacking in personal hygiene. Looking and smelling your best includes showering, brushing your teeth, etc, especially before heading to the office each day, after lunch and prior to meetings or meeting clients.

3. Your Desk Runneth Over: Employers realize that you often spend just as much time (if not more) at the office, or your job, than you do at home….and they encourage “workers” to make their (personal) space feel like home. However, they point out that it should be done in moderation with anything “offensive” best kept out of the work environment, and making sure that your desk and cubicle are kept neat, clean, orderly, and without your personal belongings invading anyone else’s space.

4. Sounding Off: In many of today’s work environments it’s okay to listen to music or personalize your computer settings, including graphics and sounds. When programming a radio for a retail environment, think past yourself, and more about your clientele and what “they” would want to hear, refraining from channels that suit your personal likes and tastes. If you are listening to your radio, CD player, or MP-3 at work, remember to use headsets and keep volume to a minimum. Settings on computers, including graphics and noises should be “neutral” and non-offensive, and cats meowing or dogs barking (every time you click your mouse) may not be something your co-workers find as cute and amusing as you do. Keep “cuttities” to a minimum.

5. Phone Protocol: Most employers don’t have a problem with you making or receiving (personal) phone calls at work, but they “Do” take issue with speaking loudly, rudely, or receiving multiple (personal) calls (especially one right after the other) during the workday.

6. Up In Smoke: Besides being bad for your health, and your hygiene (see above), smoking can also hinder your career, especially if it frequently interferes with your work. Excessive smoking breaks only serve as a means for your boss to constantly keep an eye on you, your whereabouts, and your progress.

7. Embarrassing Behavior: Loud, obnoxious, employees, with reprehensible manners can be a sore spot, particularly if the employee has to deal with clients. Not only is it embarrassing, but it also reflects poorly on the company and on the caliber of people working there.

8. “Moonlighting”: Bringing in your child’s cookie order once in a while may be tolerable, but multiply that by several (or several hundred) employees each trying to earn an extra buck at the office, and it begins to interfere with work ethic and the ability to get company work done (on the job). Remember, your company, no matter how big or small, is (or should be) a professional atmosphere, not a flea market.

9. Red, White, And Blue: The office may be a great place to build friendships and support for causes, but it’s not a “podium” for voicing your political agenda or position. Employers are especially opposed to those you blatantly display their feelings on their sleeve, lapel, etc., and cause reason for tension or debates at work.

10. Professional Pessimists: One of the biggest pet peeves employers expressed is the person who “know it ALL” and the one who has something NEGATIVE to say about everything and every one. And, they note, that the MOST frustrating types are those that can turn a positive into a negative simply looking at the downside, such as the additional workload associated with a promotion and increase in salary. For those folks, bosses and experts alike suggest a (much needed) attitude adjustment.

Remember, you may “have” to work, and while your job may not be ideal, your experience will be what YOU make of it. Make the best of it, by making the most out of yourself and the (current) situation you are in, and give both colleagues and employers alike a reason to want to hire you, keep you on board, promote you, and maybe even meet some of YOUR demands, requests, and needs.