The workplace is full of unspoken behaviors and habits that make it both unique and relatable. Some are productive and others – well, not so much. While we all try to put our best foot forward on the job, there are certain habits many of us share but would never openly acknowledge. While we might not own up to them, these are part of what makes office life so interesting (and sometimes amusing).
Sneaking a Peek at Your Phone During Meetings
Even the most engaged employees find themselves glancing at their phones under the table during meetings. It could be checking for texts, scrolling through social media, or pretending to take notes, but it’s a universal habit. Most people think they’re being discreet, but the truth is, everyone knows it’s happening.
Pretending to Look Busy When the Boss Walks By
You’re typing furiously, flipping through papers, or intensely staring at your screen, but only because you spotted the boss approaching. It’s a classic move we all do to avoid the appearance of slacking off. Everyone does it, but no one would openly admit they’re putting on a show for their supervisor’s benefit.
Using Company Time for Personal Errands
It could be taking a long lunch to run errands or quietly handling personal tasks during work hours, but using company time to do it is common. Stuff like scheduling a dentist appointment, shopping online, or paying bills are little detours we justify as “necessary.”
While it’s not exactly part of the job description, many people see it as balancing work-life responsibilities (without letting their manager know about it).
Gossiping About Coworkers
Nobody wants to admit they indulge in office gossip, but let’s face it, most people do. Whether it’s whispering about a colleague’s odd behavior or speculating about office romances, gossiping is a workplace pastime that’s hard to resist. It might be harmless chatter or something a bit more serious, but it’s always done quietly, away from prying ears.
Taking a Little Too Long in the Break Room
There’s nothing wrong with grabbing a cup of coffee or heating up your lunch, but many people stretch their break room visits a bit longer than necessary. Whether it’s chatting with coworkers, scrolling on your phone, or just avoiding your desk, these extended pauses are common.
Using Work Supplies for Personal Use
It might not seem a big deal, but taking a few pens, sticky notes, or printing personal documents on the office printer is technically not allowed. Most people justify it as a minor perk of the job, but you’re unlikely to hear anyone openly admit they’re taking advantage of office resources for non-work-related purposes, even though it’s far more common than we like to think.
Overusing “Mute” on Video Calls
The mute button is everyone’s secret weapon for faking focus. Dull video meetings have made the mute button a lifesaver. It’s also also a tool for tuning out. When eating snacks, chatting with someone nearby, or simply zoning out, employees take advantage of mute to multitask during long calls.
The slight delay before unmuting when asked a question is a dead giveaway that they weren’t paying attention.
Procrastinating on That One Dreaded Task
There is always that one task we will do almost anything to avoid, and most of us put it off as long as possible. It could be an overdue email, a complicated report, or an uncomfortable phone call, but procrastination kicks in naturally. Folk rarely admit to intentionally delaying work, but there are telltale signs, like “getting organized” or “prioritizing,” that reveal the truth.
Taking Credit for Team Efforts
Teamwork is essential in the workplace, but there’s a quiet tendency for individuals to subtly highlight their own contributions. They frame their involvement in a way that shines the spotlight on themselves during meetings and performance reviews. It’s not outright stealing credit, but it’s definitely leaning into “me, not we.” Few will admit to this habit, but it’s one that exists in most work environments.
Ignoring Emails Until the Last Minute
Everyone’s inbox gets out of hand from time to time, but there’s always that one email you avoid opening. You know it involves a tedious task or an awkward conversation, so you procrastinate. But you’re not alone, so does everyone else. Folk often justify it by saying they’re “waiting for the right time,” but in reality, they’re just putting it off.
Doing a Quick Online Search for Answers You Should Know
You’ve been asked a question, and instead of admitting you’re unsure, you discreetly Google the answer. Most people won’t confess to using search engines as a crutch, but it’s a silent savior in moments of uncertainty.
This habit is especially common in meetings or presentations where you want to look knowledgeable. The skill is pulling it off without anyone noticing.
Stretching the Definition of “Working from Home”
Remote work has its perks, and one of them is the ability to blur the lines between work and relaxation. Some people take advantage of flexible schedules by running errands, doing household chores, or even sneaking in a nap during the day.
While no one admits to being less productive at home, the rise of “camera off” days during meetings suggests otherwise.
Overthinking Slack Messages
The art of crafting the perfect workplace message is real. Employees spend more time than necessary tweaking Slack messages or emails to sound just right. From worrying about tone to over-analyzing punctuation, this habit is rooted in a desire to appear professional and avoid misunderstandings. Most people don’t admit to the time they spend perfecting these small communications, but it’s shared by many.
Taking a Mental Health Day Without Saying So
We all need a day off now and then, but not everyone is willing to say it’s for their mental wellbeing. Instead, people often frame it as a sick day or use vague excuses like “I’m not feeling well.” It’s a subtle way to take a break without inviting questions.
Overusing “I’ll Circle Back”
The phrase “I’ll circle back” is a favorite among employees who want to buy time or avoid giving a direct answer. It’s a polite way of saying, “I’ll think about it later,” without committing to anything on the spot. While it’s a handy workplace phrase, it’s also a common stalling tactic that many people rely on. Admitting you’re using it to delay action is a little too honest for most.
Taking a Quick Walk Just to Get Away
Often the best way to cope with work stress is to step away, even if it’s under the guise of taking a walk. Employees often wander to the break room, a nearby café, or just around the building, claiming it’s to “clear their heads.” The real reason might be to escape a tedious task or annoying coworker, but it’s a habit that rarely gets acknowledged.
Re-reading Old Emails for No Real Reason
One way of avoiding the task at hand is to scroll through old emails. Employees revisit past messages under the guise of “double-checking,” but it’s really just another form of procrastination. This habit can feel productive in the moment, even though it accomplishes little.
Most people wouldn’t confess to doing this intentionally, but it’s a surprisingly common way to fill time during a slow day.
Overusing Buzzwords to Sound Smarter
Phrases like “low-hanging fruit,” “synergy,” or “moving the needle” have become workplace cliches that don’t always mean much. We often use these buzzwords to sound knowledgeable or fit into the corporate culture.