Five workplace habits putting your job at risk
These workplace red flags could be putting you and your career in a compromising position...
Post-COVID, we've seen the coining of new work-related terms.
WATCH: 'Real Housewife' finally unveils jaw-dropping home
There's been quiet-quitting, Bare Minimum Mondays and other trends that have started to take over through social media and other outlets.
While the chats surrounding most of these trends have died down, there are old and new habits that could be detrimental to your career.
What is deemed acceptable workplace behaviour is constantly changing because younger generations are entering the workforce, and evolving technology is changing how we operate.
READ: The secret emojis Gen Zs are using and their meanings
Jason Morris, a business expert at the international link-building agency My Profit Engine, spoke to IOL about some of the big red flags in the workplace.
Here are five workplace habits that the expert says could put you at risk of losing your job:
1. Not putting on video during virtual meetings
This might seem like common practice in many organisations, but if it is done constantly, it could appear disengaged and lacking in confidence.
Video engagement has become a basic professional courtesy. When someone consistently opts out, it creates distance and makes other people wonder what they're really doing during meetings.
This can be particularly harmful during collaborative discussions where visual cues matter for reading room dynamics and building rapport.
He advises that you test your set-up before and treat it like in-person meetings.
READ: UNO is coming to Las Vegas casinos
2. Over-explaining simple mistakes
Overexplaining small errors could signal defensiveness, a lack of confidence, and poor emotional regulation. It is far better to own up to your mistakes, briefly acknowledge them, and correct them.
When someone writes three paragraphs explaining why they sent the wrong attachment, it raises more concerns than the original mistake. It shows they're not comfortable with the normal give-and-take of professional life.
READ: Everything you need to know about possible Marks Park sale
3. Saying "That's not my job"
Maintaining a work-life balance and knowing your boundaries are essential, but being too rigid in your role could indicate inflexibility and poor team awareness.
Instead of immediately deflecting requests, employees should try to suggest alternatives.
The most valuable team members think in terms of outcomes, not just task lists. They might not take on every request, but they help find solutions instead of just saying no.
WATCH: Wimbledon champion shares sweet moment with young royals
4. Complaining openly about your workload
You might think you're just venting about being tired, stressed, or having too much work during meetings or chatting to fellow employees.
This could signal poor boundaries and unprofessional emotional regulation.
Modern workplaces expect people to manage stress privately and escalate workload concerns through proper channels. Broadcasting overwhelm suggests someone who hasn't learned to separate personal struggles from professional communication. There's a difference between advocating for resources and performing your stress for colleagues. One shows leadership potential, the other shows emotional immaturity.
READ: Why is everyone talking about the red wall in Bryanston?
5. Needing constant direction
Employees should avoid frequently asking what they need to do or work on. This shows an ability to prioritise or think strategically.
When someone needs constant direction, it tells me they haven't internalised what success looks like in their position. The expectation now is that professionals can work autonomously for reasonable stretches and come to meetings with solutions, not just problem.
An alternative would be meeting with management weekly to review and execute priorities independently. Be sure to ask specific questions.
Tune into 'The Drive with Rob & Roz' on weekdays from 16:00 – 19:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.
Listen to Jacaranda FM:
- 94.2
- Jacaranda FM App
- http://jacarandafm.com
- DStv 858/ OpenView 602
Follow us on social media:
Main image courtesy of iStock