The Workplace Habits That Damage Your Reputation Without Realizing

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Ally Perry • Writer and Editor
Jun 20, 2026 9:15 AM EDT

Our most professional self can't always be our truest self.

You might think that it is common knowledge that we have to polish up and hide certain aspects of our personalities and habits to thrive in the average workplace, but that isn't what everybody is willing to do. On one level, it is kind of understandable—it can be exhausting to present this perfected version of yourself for eight hours a day when you would rather enjoy the freedom of letting it all hang out. The thing is, though, that a certain level of professionalism is necessary if we actually want to get things done in the workplace.

It is sometimes unreasonable to expect that employees will be on their best behavior at all times. Sometimes work days are long and stressful, and it is only a matter of time before the cracks start to show. Still, it is important to do the best you can when it comes to maintaining the right persona in the workplace. You might be surprised what colleagues will pick up on and criticize if you don't. While it could be argued that it isn't always fair, personality matters a lot when getting ahead at work.

 

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  • Models representing a collection of stressed employees, with one in the foreground putting his thumb down
    via Getty Images (Unsplash+)

    Models representing a collection of stressed employees, with one in the foreground putting his thumb down

  • It is true that you are not likely to be best friends with all of your coworkers. In fact, there is every chance you may have some who actively dislike you for reasons that are beyond your control. At the same time, certain workplace behaviors tend to irritate people, which you are likely capable of amending so long as you are self-aware. If you don't, it might not just earn you some work enemies, but also actively work against you when you try to succeed in your career. These examples show the kinds of personal gripes that make things difficult in the workplace.

  • What's a workplace behavior that seems harmless but secretly damages your professional reputation?

    Some workplace habits don't seem like a big deal in the moment, but they can affect how colleagues and managers perceive you over time. What's a behavior you've seen that looks harmless on the surface but ends up hurting someone's professional image?
    via No_Word_2405
  • No-Bit2101 Always volunteering opinions in meetings when nobody asked you, people remember that more than you think
    via No-Bit2101
  • VFiddly Gossiping.
    via VFiddly
  • Careful_Station_7884 Sharing too much. Keep it professional, be solution oriented when bringing up problems, and remember your colleagues are not always your friends. Don't say anything that you don't mind the entire department hearing.
    via Careful_Station_7884
  • A representation of an employee in holding his hand to his face in thought, with two colleagues on either side of him in the background
    via Getty Images (Unsplash+)

    A representation of an employee in holding his hand to his face in thought, with two colleagues on either side of him in the background

  • catBoyAppreciater Correcting the wrong people in front of others.
    via catBoyAppreciater
  • I work with a lot of engineers who are somewhat fiddly about the answer being exact, specific and correct. They have a tendency to be oblivious to social and political realities, and don't realize that, "actually..." to the wrong leader is the career kiss of death no matter how right you are.
    via catBoyAppreciater
  • Fun_Percentage_8905 Taking personal phone calls at your desk & over sharing everything with everyone about your personal life and health, unless its to your supervisor/manager for leave purposes.
    via Fun_Percentage_8905
  • fabunobo Humming or whistling. Just stop it.
    via fabunobo
  • Get72ready Dressing inappropriately. If you are always asking 'if this is ok to wear to work', you are that person.
    via Get72ready
  • V3CTORVII Dating at work, then getting divorced at work. It really make you seem like you have issues making good decisions. If you want to date coworkers, by all means, just make sure on of you quits afterwards, because break up
    via V3CTORVII
  • at work make you both bad decision makers that do not understand how bad things look to everyone else. Fastest way to lose the trust of management.
    via V3CTORVII
  • Walt_Morgan I worked with a VP who talked up the importance of sacrifice and team. When we had a mandatory fun bowling event, she jetted out early to be with family. I never trusted her again.
    via Walt_Morgan
  • slowlymeteor doin work carelessly, n asuming next person will fix it
    via slowlymeteor
  • Crafty_Ad3377 Taking PTO or sick time as soon as you earn it. Not accepting tasks
    via Crafty_Ad3377
  • Last Resource9630 Backbiting is the most poisonous behaviour. When people talk badly about others when the others are not in the room. If they were so perfect, they wouldn't have time to worry about anyone else.
    via Last_Resource9630
  • TheGreensKeeper420 The blanket "you all need to do better" when referring to one or two individuals in team meetings Yelling at everyone because you don't want to be direct with someone demoralizes your hard workers.
    via TheGreensKeeper420

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employee Bad Habit workplace unprofessional
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