BAD WORK HABITS AND HOW YOU CAN BREAK THEM

If you work in an office  you might have at least one habit that drives everyone else around you insane.

Maybe you slurp your coffee, tap your pen incessantly, or talk too loudly on the phone. Whatever it is, it’s annoying!

Some bad habits can go beyond driving your co-workers batty — they can actually damage your career.

From Anthony Balderrama at CareerBuilder.com

1. Bad habit: Missing deadlines.
What to do: Remind yourself that people are counting on you to do your job well, which includes completing tasks on time. Even if everything turned out OK, you probably caused your co-workers a lot of anxiety or extra work, which they won’t forget.

2. Bad habit: Dressing unprofessionally.
What to do: You don’t have to be a boring dresser to be professional, but you shouldn’t look like you’re about to go clubbing or strutting down a runway.

3. Bad habit: Not being punctual.
What to do: Stick to the schedule. Everyone in your office would like to sleep in a little or leave early, but they don’t because people rely on them to be on time.

4. Bad habit: Checking Facebook, playing games, shopping online, etc.
What to do: Keep the fun stuff to a minimum. Most employers don’t mind if you check your personal e-mail once in a while or read your favorite blog at lunchtime. But they start to care when you minimize that gossip website every time they walk by your desk.

5. Bad habit: Gossiping.
What to do: Sure, everybody gossips a little here and there, but eventually you’ll gain a reputation for not keeping anything confidential — whether it’s a personal or work matter. Plus, your chattering could end up hurting somebody’s feelings or reputation.

6. Bad habit: Being negative.
What to do: It’s natural to complain once in a while. If you gripe and moan constantly, however, people will not only get annoyed, they’ll wonder why you don’t just quit. Keep in mind that work isn’t always fun; keep the complaints to a minimum.

7. Bad habit: Trying to be everybody’s best friend.
What to do: It’s common for friendships to develop at work, but not with everybody. Treat your superiors and colleagues like professionals, not drinking buddies.

8. Bad habit: Burning bridges.
What to do: As much as you dream of telling off your boss or co-workers after you’ve quit, restrain yourself. Things may happen later — and someone you dissed in the past may end up being your boss down the road.

9. Bad habit: Always being the funny one.
What to do: There’s nothing wrong with being funny — most people like a good sense of humor. Just remember that not everybody wants to hear your jokes and impersonations every 5 minutes.