Healthy Living: Bad Habits That Could Cost You Your Job

In a tight job market, it’s important to stand out, but not for being unprofessional.

What’s the most unprofessional thing you’ve ever done at work?

The first habit to avoid is being late. One survey found 15 to 20% of United States workers report being tardy on a regular basis.

Another unprofessional trait is being negative all the time. A CareerBuilder survey found 62% of employers are less likely to promote employees with a pessimistic attitude. Also, avoid being messy at work, whether it’s your desk or in the break room. Thirty-six percent of employers have a hard time promoting employees who don’t clean up after themselves.

Cursing is another no-no. More than half of employers in a survey said vulgar language is an indication that an employee is not ready for a promotion.

Some other common mistakes include bragging too much, not paying attention during meetings, soliciting donations, discussing personal problems, making personal phone calls, complaining, and practicing poor hygiene.