Tag: office behavior

Managers’ Behaviors Are Contagious

By

Anyone who's ever had a job knows the impact a boss can have on the happiness of employees. A bad boss, whether she be cruel, overly demanding, or simply incompetent, can be enough to drive workers out the door. But, it turns out that the behaviors and attitudes of managers might have a bigger impact on the lives of employees than is immediately obvious. Let's look a little more closely at how managers' behaviors affect the people around them.

Could Standing Desks Actually Lead to More Sitting?

By

In the last few years, we've been bombarded with warnings about the dangers of sitting too much. We've heard that even if you exercise, prolonged periods of sitting can kill you. We know that, even if do we manage to escape premature sitting-induced death, those of us who sit too much are more likely to develop heart disease and diabetes. We've even heard sitting compared with some of the unhealthiest "habits" out there – most notably, that sitting is the new smoking.

Is Listening to Music at Work Really Good for Productivity?

By

Some people like to listen to music while they work, believing that it helps them improve their focus, and maybe even their mood. But, is there any truth behind the idea that listening to music around the office is good for productivity? Might some music do the trick better than others? We looked to science for some answers. Here are a few things we discovered.

7 Things You Should NEVER Say to Co-Workers

By

Given the amount of time we spend at work, it's understandable that a lot of us get pretty comfortable there. It's a good thing when you can really be yourself at work, and it's nice to have friends there, too. But, no matter how much your workplace feels like a home away from home, the truth is that it isn't. Your workplace is a professional environment, and there are some lines that should never be crossed. Let's take a look at a few things that you should never say to your co-workers. Really. Never.

4 Good Reasons to Never Discuss Politics at Work

By

As the primary races heat up, many of us are getting more and more engaged in the upcoming election. This election cycle, in particular, has given us a lot to think about, and a lot to talk about, too. But, the standard rule for discussing politics at work is pretty simple – just don't do it, ever. Here are a few good reasons to consider taking that principle seriously.

3 Reasons Office Gossip Might Not Be All Bad

By

When we think of office gossip, a lot of bad associations come to mind. The popular idea is that this kind of chatter is counter-productive, harmful, hurtful, and just plain bad. But, there is another side to office chit-chat. It turns out that gossip might not actually be entirely, innately, negative. Here are a few reasons why office gossip might be not only impossible to eliminate but also potentially beneficial.

What Happens When You Sit Next to the Boss

By

The old saying goes, you're only truly yourself when you're alone. That's because it's human nature to change the way we behave, even just slightly, depending on who we're with. This is just as true in the workplace as it is in our personal lives.

3 Ways to Deal With an Offensive Co-worker Who Just Doesn’t Get It

By

In the workplace, there's a fine line between joking around and being offensive -- and there's always that one co-worker who just doesn't seem to get it. If you find yourself being put in uncomfortable situations due to a colleague's lack of manners, then you'll want to read on to see how you can professionally and effectively handle your officemate's distasteful behavior.

Dos and Don’ts of Office Dating

By

Just about anyone will tell you that dating at the office is not a wise move. But as often as we are all warned about the dangers of a corporate romance, there are many who still risk their careers for a shot at love. And why not? After all, we spend more than half of our lives at work and it only makes sense that we may strike a chord with someone we already have one thing in common with -- our employer. Here are a few dos and don'ts to keep in mind if you decide to take the relationship with your colleague to a deeper level.

5 Reasons to Say ‘Thank You!’ More Often

By

Sometimes, saying thank you can feel rote, habitual, and therefore maybe even a little pointless. If you thank people the way we were taught as children, you're doing it all day long -- for holding the door, handing you the stapler, or for answering a quick question. Thank you, thank you, and thanks so much … the gestures of gratitude can really start feel redundant when you work very closely with people. The opportunities to thank are abundant, and you might feel a little silly when you realize that you have exchanged 30-plus thank-yous before lunch. So, if its meaning is reduced by over-use, should we abandon the thank you? Absolutely not -- and here's why.