How to Survive in the Workplace Without Getting Fired

Recognizing potential pitfalls that could lead to termination is important for career longevity. Every workplace has their own culture and set of expectations. Nevertheless, there are certain behaviors which are generally perceived as unacceptable across industries and cultures. From fresh graduates just entering the workforce or experienced professionals looking for ways to stay out of trouble, today we cover the key “No-Nos” that can get you fired and provide strategies to help you survive in the workplace.

Photo by Igor Omilaev on Unsplash

Substance Abuse

The Dangers

Engaging in substance abuse can quickly lead to professional disaster. Many companies enforce stringent policies against the use of drugs or excessive alcohol consumption during work hours. Violation can result in immediate termination. Substance use not only impairs judgment and performance but it can also significantly compromise team dynamics and workplace safety. So it is vitally important that employees maintain clear minds with professional demeanor at work to avoid raising alarm among co-workers or supervisors.

Rehabilitative Options

Rehab programs offer various approaches, from inpatient and outpatient services, therapy sessions, and support groups. Not only do these programs aim at breaking free of addiction but they also focus on building coping mechanisms and addressing any underlying causes that might contribute to it.

Display of Poor Work Ethic

The Clock-in, Clock-out Mentality

While it’s important to strike a balance between work and leisure life, showing indifference can quickly create tension in an organization. Arriving late, leaving early or taking extended breaks could signal that you lack commitment. To take full advantage of opportunities by showing more initiative by volunteering on projects and taking proactive approaches in finding solutions.

Quality Over Quantity

Rushing through tasks to meet deadlines can compromise the quality of your work. Always prioritize delivering high-quality results over simply meeting them on time. Furthermore, keeping your boss and colleagues updated about what you are accomplishing helps build trust between all involved as it shows that they care about how it all turns out.

Office Politics and Gossip

Silence Is Golden

Nothing can poison a workplace more quickly than gossip. While it might be tempting to share personal opinions or sensitive details about coworkers in casual conversation over water cooler chatter, refrain from doing so. Sharing such personal details reflects poorly on you while creating an unhealthy workplace environment. If the conversation turns into gossip instead of professional topics, simply change the topic or opt out altogether.

Document Everything

Should workplace conflicts arise, it’s important that conversations or incidents that could potentially escalate are recorded for future reference. Documenting serves to protect you and enable you to present your side of the story if necessary. Taking this proactive approach demonstrates professionalism and transparency.

Poor Time management skills

Prioritize Like a Pro

Poor time management can lead to missed deadlines and unfinished work. Break tasks down into manageable chunks and prioritize according to urgency. Use tools like calendars and productivity apps as needed to stay organized. Effective time management not only affects individual team dynamics and project outcomes, it has far reaching effects throughout an organization.

Avoid Procrastination

It can be easy to fall prey to procrastination when faced with large tasks, so to combat procrastination it is crucial that you set small, manageable goals that motivate you and divide up the workload into bite-size chunks. Feeling accomplished after accomplishing these goals will serve as motivation to continue on with progress.

How to Survive the Workplace

For career success, avoiding major faux pas is just as important as excelling in your work. By maintaining professionalism, exhibiting a strong work ethic, steering clear of office gossip and managing time efficiently you will navigate your workplace with greater ease and foresight.

Success doesn’t only depend on doing well but avoiding potential pitfalls too.

Thank you as always for reading.

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KindCompassCoach

Joan Senio is the founder of KindCompassCoach. Her career includes 20+ years as a private sector corporate executive and 15 years (and counting) as a consultant and coach. The common thread through her professional life has been a commitment to compassionate leadership, including leading and mentoring current and future leaders, and women from all walks of life. KindCompassCoach articles are backed by research and include facts and advice from a wide variety of experts. Joan is a member of the International Organization of Life Coaches, serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me.