Navigating the workplace as a beginner can feel overwhelming. While learning about your role and responsibilities, you’ll also want to master workplace etiquette. Whether you’re just starting your career or transitioning into a new environment, one of the keys to success is avoiding unprofessional behaviors that could damage your reputation. But what exactly are those unprofessional things you should steer clear of? And why do they matter?
In this blog post, we’ll break down seven things you should never do in the workplace that could hurt your career progression and weaken your relationships with colleagues and supervisors. Read on to learn what not to do at work, and pick up tips on how to stay professional, regardless of your job level.
Why Professionalism Matters
Before we dive into the seven things to avoid in the workplace, let’s talk briefly about why professionalism is so important.
Every workplace has its own culture, but professionalism is universally valued. Showing up on time, respecting your coworkers, and completing tasks on schedule are expected at any job. But professionalism goes beyond just getting work done. It reflects how well you collaborate with others, how you manage stress, and how adaptable you are in difficult situations.
Failing to show professionalism can make it difficult to form connections at work, receive promotions, or even keep your job. In fact, a survey by CareerBuilder found that 75% of employers have fired someone for unprofessional behavior. That’s why understanding what behaviors to avoid is just as crucial as excelling in your job.
Now, let’s dive into the specific behaviors you’ll want to avoid.
1. Gossiping About Colleagues
We’ve all heard the saying, “Loose lips sink ships,” and nowhere is this more true than in the workplace. Gossip can destroy trust and create a toxic work environment. Talking behind someone’s back may seem harmless at first, but it can quickly escalate into bigger issues that affect team morale and productivity.
Why it’s unprofessional: Gossiping reflects poorly on your character. It also shows that you’re not focused on your work, which could lead others to see you as untrustworthy. Plus, the workplace is often smaller than you think—what you say might easily make its way back to the person you were talking about.
What to do instead: If you’re frustrated with a colleague, talk directly to them or a supervisor, but always approach the conversation constructively. Avoid fueling negative conversations that don’t contribute to solutions.
2. Being Chronically Late
Punctuality is one of the simplest ways to show professionalism. Being late to work, meetings, or deadlines signals to your employer that you’re not serious about your job. It also inconveniences others who rely on you to be present and engaged.
Why it’s unprofessional: Chronic lateness disrupts team dynamics and delays progress. It shows a lack of respect for your colleagues’ time, and over time, can damage your credibility. According to a study, employers rank punctuality as one of the top traits they look for in employees.
What to do instead: Make punctuality a habit. Set reminders, plan your commute with extra time, and prioritize important tasks to avoid last-minute rushes.
3. Not Taking Responsibility for Mistakes
Nobody’s perfect—mistakes happen. But refusing to take responsibility for them is one of the fastest ways to lose respect at work. Whether it’s a small error or a major oversight, dodging accountability makes you look unprofessional and immature.
Why it’s unprofessional: Blaming others or making excuses shows that you’re unwilling to learn and grow. It also signals that you may not be trustworthy in high-stakes situations.
What to do instead: When you make a mistake, own up to it. Apologize if necessary, and focus on how you can fix the issue. Being transparent and solution-oriented will earn you far more respect than trying to cover things up.
4. Overusing Personal Devices
We live in a digital world, and it can be tempting to check your phone or social media at work. However, if you spend too much time on your personal device, your productivity and engagement will suffer. Constant distractions from phones can also frustrate coworkers who need your attention.
Why it’s unprofessional: Excessive use of personal devices at work gives the impression that you’re not engaged with your tasks. It can also create tension with colleagues or supervisors who might feel you’re not pulling your weight.
What to do instead: Keep personal phone usage to a minimum. Schedule breaks if you need to check in on something personal, but otherwise, focus on your work and engage with the tasks at hand.
5. Disrespecting Workplace Hierarchies
Workplaces are often structured in ways that require a certain level of respect for authority and hierarchy. Ignoring this hierarchy—whether it’s by undermining your supervisor or speaking out of turn—can be a quick way to create tension.
Why it’s unprofessional: Overstepping boundaries and not respecting your managers or colleagues in senior positions can come across as disrespectful. This behavior makes it difficult for others to see you as a team player.
What to do instead: Understand the structure of your workplace and follow it. If you have concerns about a supervisor’s decision, communicate them respectfully. Avoid going over someone’s head unless it’s absolutely necessary.
6. Bringing a Negative Attitude
Everyone has bad days, but consistently bringing a negative attitude into the workplace can dampen morale and hurt team collaboration. Negativity, whether expressed through constant complaints or passive-aggressive comments, affects not just you, but everyone around you.
Why it’s unprofessional: A negative attitude can be contagious. When one person is always pessimistic, it can drag down the entire team’s energy and productivity. It also creates a stressful work environment that no one wants to be part of.
What to do instead: Practice mindfulness and focus on the positives, even when things are tough. If you need to vent, do so in a constructive way or outside the workplace. Try to be a source of motivation rather than negativity.
7. Not Following Through on Commitments
In the workplace, your word is everything. If you frequently fail to follow through on commitments—whether that’s missing deadlines, not attending meetings, or backing out of projects last minute—you’ll quickly gain a reputation as unreliable.
Why it’s unprofessional: Not following through shows a lack of responsibility and can make others lose trust in you. It also slows down projects and affects the whole team’s ability to succeed.
What to do instead: Only commit to tasks you know you can handle, and be upfront if you anticipate any issues. If you can’t meet a deadline, communicate early and offer alternative solutions. Always strive to be dependable.
Real-World Examples of Unprofessional Behavior
Let’s take a look at some real-world scenarios to see how these unprofessional behaviors play out:
- Case 1: The Gossip Circle
A new employee joins a small marketing firm and quickly becomes part of the office gossip circle. After several conversations about coworkers’ personal lives and work habits, word gets back to management. Not only does this tarnish her relationships with her colleagues, but she also loses the trust of her supervisor. Ultimately, she is let go for creating a toxic work environment. - Case 2: The Late Employee
In another example, a software engineer consistently shows up late to team meetings. Although he’s talented at his job, his tardiness becomes a point of frustration for his manager, who eventually writes him up for not respecting team schedules. This employee later misses out on a promotion due to a lack of punctuality.
Actionable Tips for Staying Professional
Now that you know what behaviors to avoid, here are some actionable steps to stay professional in the workplace:
- Practice active listening: Pay attention to your colleagues and their needs to build strong relationships.
- Set realistic goals: Don’t overcommit; know your limits and stick to deadlines you can meet.
- Communicate clearly: Whether it’s an email or a conversation, ensure your communication is respectful and clear.
- Stay organized: Use tools and apps to manage your time effectively and keep track of your commitments.
Conclusion
Maintaining professionalism is essential for career growth, workplace harmony, and personal satisfaction. By avoiding gossip, being punctual, taking responsibility, and following through on commitments, you’ll be well on your way to being seen as a reliable and valuable member of your team. Remember, it’s not just about getting the work done—it’s about how you do it.
What unprofessional behaviors have you seen or experienced in the workplace? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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