Are you at risk of getting fired?
Avoid these five workplace mistakes if you don't want to find yourself out of a job.
With unemployment at almost 2.5 million, many of us are concerned about job security. Although plenty of people become unemployed through no fault of their own, certain kinds of behaviour will increase your chances of ending up at the job centre.
We've rounded up five things not to do in the office if you want to keep your job.
Bitchiness
Some days many of us feel the need to let off some steam about a co-worker. Perhaps he or she undermines you in front of the boss or eats smelly food at their desk.
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However try not to criticise the offending colleague in front of other people in the office. The object of your derision could end up as your new line manager.
Losing perspective
Most of us feel undervalued in the office at one time or another. Before you threaten to resign, try to take an honest look at your working habits.
Do you regularly take long lunches? Are you always the first to leave? If so, it is possible you're not the model employee you think.
Also, it might not be a wise move to demand a pay rise if there have been recent redundancies in the company.
Work/life imbalance
Having a good relationship with your colleagues never hurts when it comes to networking. However some professional boundaries should not be crossed. If you indulge in binge drinking or are having marital problems, it might be best to keep this information to yourself.
Likewise, loudly arguing with your other half over the phone won't create a professional image.
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Too much time online
Most offices have a policy regarding reasonable internet use. While checking the news headlines might be acceptable, playing World of Warcraft or comparing home insurance quotes could get you into trouble.
Inappropriate Facebook posts
Several stories have hit the headlines about people who have lost their jobs because of thoughtless comments on social networking sites. If you don't want to join their ranks, avoid posting any of the following:
- You hate your boss/job
- You're so hungover you've just been sick in the work loos
- You've got a job interview (especially if you've told your manager you're at the dentist)
- You're planning on pulling a sickie
- You're smarter than everyone else in the office
For more work-based tips, see Boost your job security
**This material is for information purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. We strongly encourage our readers not to rely solely on this content, but to seek independent advice when making financial decisions.**
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