5 habits of people who never get ahead at work

Information abounds on the habits of highly successful people. But what about the people stuck in an occupational rut? Below are five habits of people who can’t seem to get ahead at work. What are they doing wrong?

1. They’re working harder, not smarter

Every morning, you notice the same coworker gets an early start in the office before everyone else, and he’s still situated at his desk after hours, too.

He seems to be working hard, so why is his career not gaining traction?

Far too many people think they need to put in more hours to be successful, but research shows that’s not true. 

Stanford economics professor John Pencavel found that productivity per hour plummets when a person works upwards of 50 hours per week. And those who hustle hard for 70 hours per week? They only get as much done as those who put in 55 hours.

The key to success is to work smarter, not harder. But, unfortunately, the coworkers you see grinding away day after day are on the path to burnout, not success.

2. They’re wasting time on social media

Years ago, employers only had to keep an eye out for inappropriate or off-task computer use. Now, the threat of distraction isn’t just on the desktop; it’s in our pockets. 

“While the focus may have shifted from Solitaire to Farmville and now to social media, the problem remains,” Shapiro says. “Checking personal social media streams has become as expected as checking personal email, but there needs to be a clear line.” 

Research reveals employees waste almost an entire workday (a little under eight hours) per week on non-work-related activities, mostly on mobile devices.

While someone might think they’re scrolling slyly on company time, they can’t hide when they’re interacting on social media (especially if their account is public.)

Many companies track employees’ online behavior, so misusing technology while on the clock won’t just adversely affect your productivity. It could also hinder your next raise or promotion. 

3. They’re taking advantage of privileges

Your coworker was supposed to be “working from home,” but her Instagram Story revealed that she was actually brunching with friends.

It happens all too often, especially as many businesses allow employees to remain remote while COVID-19 restrictions ease.

Although working from home can be a great option that gives employees the freedom to set their own schedules, with great freedom comes great responsibility.

Whether it’s goofing off on company time or misusing company funds, workers might think they will get by with abusing privileges like this. But this is a big mistake.

“Once these behaviors are noticed by management and team members, it can be really detrimental for your future career outlook, as the trust that you’ll get things done without supervision is gone,” says Lars Sudmann, executive coach and leadership speaker.

4. They’re letting their egos get in the way

We all have that one coworker who has been there and done that (and probably claims to have done it ten times better than everyone else) He always wants to appear superior, and he’s never wrong. He knows it all!

Self-confidence is a wonderful thing that can help you succeed in your career. But having an inflated sense of self can be counterproductive in the workplace.

Especially in today’s rapidly evolving market, it’s essential to stay humble and teachable.

“A common mistake or bad habit is not being coachable,” Sudmann says. “If you don’t listen to feedback to get better, you limit yourself.” 

Employees who are set in their ways, who aren’t open to learning new strategies and listening to new ideas, are stunting their own professional growth.

5. They’re talking too much and parading their potty mouths

Suggestive comments and obscenities might have been accepted on Mad Men, but they won’t get you far in most jobs these days.

Sure, every company has different rules and standards, and some workplace atmospheres are laxer than others. But today, more than ever, off-color remarks and vulgarity can lead to professional demise.

“Some companies are more accepting of colorful language than others, but there is never an excuse for inappropriate or demeaning humor,” says Chaim Shapiro, M.Ed, career expert and director of the office for student success at Touro College.