7 Bad Work Habits You’ve Got to Ditch

Bad work habits – we’ve all got them! Whether you’re a seasoned veteran in your career or a brand new grad just entering the workforce, it doesn’t take long before we begin to pick up habits in the office. Every now and then, it’s good to take a step back and realize what bad work habits you need to change – pronto!

But before you keep reading, feel free to check out our video below on the bad work habits you have to ditch, ASAP!

Bad Work Habits to Ditch #1: Skipping breaks and lunches

Chances are, no one cares that you’re hungry and haven’t eaten. But YOU should. Taking breaks and getting your lunch in should be your number one priority – no matter what pressing issue is going on in the office. Once you get into the habit of skipping lunches and working with no breaks – it’ll stick. And trust me, it’s not a healthy habit! Pressed for time with back-to-back meetings? At least give yourself 20-30 minutes to eat and take a quick break. Either block the time off in your calendar or make a clear statement that you need to eat. And no, it doesn’t look “bad” on you, if you express that you need to refuel. (Only a crazy person would tell you that you shouldn’t be eating!)

Bad Work Habits to Ditch #2: Procrastinating

Sometimes, it’s the easiest tasks we procrastinate on, and other times, it’s the ones we dread the most. Either way, eat the frog and get to it. Procrastination leads to build up, which leaves you at the end of the week with a ton on your plate with only a limited amount of time to get it done (overwhelmed, much?). Optimize every minute you’ve got open at work – whether it’s getting out that quick hold in your team’s calendar or planning next quarter’s budget, just do it.

Bad Work Habits to Ditch #3: Avoiding your inbox and putting off emails

Let’s be honest: most of time, most of your emails are a waste of time. They’re either irrelevant, just an FYI, or it literally has no purpose to it whatsoever. Every now and then though, you’ll get a piece of gold email that you simply can’t ignore. Rather than stock-piling all of your previous emails, dedicate 15 minutes a day to sort through your inbox. File away, delete, or do as needed – just don’t let it linger in your inbox. Chances are, you’re more likely to have something get lost in email, when you’ve got a shit ton of junk lingering in your inbox.

Bad Work Habits to Ditch #4: Buying overpriced, unhealthy lunch

Probably one of the BIGGEST contenders of worst work habits – avoid buying the overpriced, unhealthy lunch! You’re busy – I know, but the ton of money that gets wasted on buying lunch is INSANE. Get into the habit of meal prepping, and start packing your lunches for work. Not sure where to start? Check out our ultimate guide on meal prep for beginners – it’ll definitely help! When you’re trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle with a busy career, this is just one of the easiest ways you can save money, time, and better your diet!

Bad Work Habits to Ditch #5: Staying in a job that you know isn’t right for you

Finding it hard to go to work everyday because you hate your job? Simple rule of thumb: if you’ve stuck it out for a year, and your internal compass is STILL hating it, chances are it’s not going to get much better. It’s always important to stay in a role for a good amount of time so you have a chance to grow with the learning curve, gain experience, and understand all aspects of the role. BUT – if things don’t seem to improving, then it’s time to start expanding your horizons. Take some time to reflect and think about what it is that you’d rather be doing. What didn’t you like about this role? What did you like about this role (if anything)? Jot it down, and start seeing what’s out there, either within your company or externally.

Bad Work Habits to Ditch #6: Picking up the work that no one else wants to do

There’s always that one person. You know, the one that happily puts up their hand to do the (lack of a better word) bitch work, because everyone else is too busy? Don’t be that person! Sure – it’s important to be a team player and pick up the slack where needed, but honey – it is ALL about balance. If you always seem to be the one doing the housekeeping work at the office, then time to lay low. You did your part, and now it’s time to pass the baton onto someone else. EVERYONE is busy, and EVERYONE has excuses. #notyourproblemanymore

Bad Work Habits to Ditch #7: Apologizing

Good manners and being polite goes a long way, but GIRL – there’s a time and a place in the corporate world. Let me phrase that differently: there’s no need to be rude, mean, and impolite – but do not feel like you need to apologize for every little thing. Especially, when it’s not your fault.

Example A: You’re on a call. You and another person start speaking at the same time. You apologize and stop speaking so the other individual can talk. Should you apologize in this case? Hell to the no! You have every right to speak as that other person does, there’s no need to apologize.

Example B: You’re in a meeting and have low battery life, so you plug your laptop in with your charger. A co-worker, or better yet, a senior leader, asks if they can use it, and you say yes. 20 minutes later, your laptop is dying and you need your charger back. Should you apologize? Absolutely not! You came prepared and now you need what you brought. You are not in the wrong sister! The senior leader will be just fine getting his or hers own charger.

Example C: You “accidentally” spill a drink of water on Susie Shittalker at the water cooler station. Should you apologize? Probably yes.

Point is – apologizing for unmerited reasons almost indirectly puts you at fault for something you didn’t even do. There’s a time and place; know when you should, but more importantly know when you shouldn’t. So, stop apologizing at work – here’s what you should stay instead. 

What habit are you guilty of? Tell us below in the comments!