Ah, work. A place that will become your second home, rather you want it to or not. You spend 40 hours there a week if you’re lucky (or unlucky, depending how you look at it) and spend more time off work thinking about it if you’re unhappy. Work doesn’t have to always be such an unpleasant place, but it can be hard to get along with co-workers at times, especially if you work in a high-stress environment. I have made mistakes and watched other co-workers make mistakes in the past, and now I’m sharing those mistakes with you to help you avoid a drama-filled work environment.
Keep Work and Home Separate.
When you go home, the last thing you want to do is think about work or anything work-related. However, many people have a problem of “switching off” the minute they clock out. I am one of those people. If someone has upset me or made me feel insulted, I don’t say anything about to that person at work to avoid conflict. But once I get home, it explodes out of me. My poor husband has to listen to it all. If you are unhappy at work, there is no reason you have to be unhappy at home, as well. Once you clock out, give yourself a few minutes in the car alone after leaving work to collect yourself. Then do whatever it is you need to do to push it out of the way.
You’re There to Work, Not to Make Friends.
I know this sounds so awful when put so bluntly, but I live by this motto. Does this mean you should be rude to co-workers or ignore them. No. Does it mean you can’t have friends at work? Also, no. Actually, studies have been done on friendships at work and how it can signify a positive and happy work environment. What it means, however, is when you are at work, your pure focus should be on working and not on socializing. Not only will you be more productive, but it gives you a ticket out of awkward moments when other co-workers are fighting and you’re caught in between. You’ll probably get along with your bosses better, as well, if you’re not having to be constantly monitored for not working.
Your Boss Is Not Your Friend.
If your boss is good at what they do, they won’t be your friend 100 percent of the time. It doesn’t mean that you can’t talk or share stories or even get advice from. However, it does mean that your boss is a boss for a reason, and part of that position involves making sure that things are being done correctly and if you aren’t working or they are upset with you, they will approach you about it. It doesn’t mean they don’t like you; It’s not a personal thing at all. It just means they have a job to do, and that job is making sure that you do what you’re supposed to do You shouldn’t feel offended. It also means that you probably shouldn’t share any big secrets with your boss that they don’t need to know. If someone is stealing from the company or harassing someone, you should of course tell. But if it’s something that doesn’t affect the workplace or is something minor, keep your lips sealed. Your boss doesn’t need to hear about how you got drunk this weekend.
Don’t Spread Gossip or Talk About Other Co-Workers.
I’ll be honest, I’m not the best at keeping my mouth shut when I’ve heard something juicy about a co-worker. I know the difference, however, between telling a co-worker something little and something big. And I know that even the little stuff shouldn’t be repeated at work – Trust me, I’m working on this. I’m telling you this, however, so you can avoid making this mistake. If you repeat gossip, even if it’s something that everyone already knows and is also telling others, you will be singled out if caught and won’t be trusted. It’s a lonely place, just don’t do it.
No Matter How Annoying, Always Treat Other Co-Workers With Respect.
This is a tough one for many people. However, you have to see them daily, and may need to ask them for favors in the future. In addition, other co-workers might think you are annoying too, so it goes both ways. Just ride it out, maybe they will leave the company soon. If a co-worker is acting inappropriately or harassing you, then go to your boss about it. Otherwise, try your best to be civil.
Avoid Dating or Having Relations With a Co-Worker
This should be a given, and many people that do it even admit that it’s a bad idea but still do it. Co-workers will talk and be in your business and when things don’t work out, there’s always that awkward moment afterwards. No matter how hush-hush you will try to keep it, they will know. Just avoid it.
Listen to Your Co-Workers.
If a large number of your co-workers are upset with you or thing negatively of you, there’s a reason. And it’s you. If you don’t know why, find out, and once you know, work to change it and to increase harmony. You don’t have to like all your co-workers, but you do have to address honest issues.
Always Have a Goal.
You should always have a work-based goal, and you should be working towards it. If you don’t like where you are at currently, change it. If after giving more than sufficient effort towards reaching your goal, you have not reached it and are unhappy daily, I would advise setting a new goal: Finding a new job. It took me between three to four years to finally reach my work goal, but it’s because I didn’t plan effectively for it or work at it the way I should have. Now that I’ve finally reached that goal, I’m setting plans for my next goal. Having a goal helps you work productively and feel more motivated and useful.