12 Body Language Mistakes You Should Never Make At Work

By Andrew Alpin, 22 May 2018

One of our main goals at work is to strive towards growth and promotion in the company. While some people endeavor to do this through hard work, others hope to be noticed by clamoring for center stage in hopes they will be noticed and seen by their boss. But, the biggest mistakes one can make while vying for senior attention is the wrong body language that can go against you.

Gestures make an important impact at work

The laws of psychology say that posture and gestures make a big impact as much as our actions which is why you should avoid committing body language mistakes at work. Once you learn to display the correct body language, you can be sure of getting noticed for a prospective promotion.

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1Sitting in a relaxed way is not correct 

Slouching at home watching TV is one thing, but slouching at work and appearing too relaxed is totally the incorrect thing to do. It’s bad for your posture and does not speak well about your image too. 

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Don’t appear to relaxed at work

Appearing too relaxed gives the impression to your seniors that you aren’t passionate or do not care about your work. Because you seem so comfortable, you are taken for being too lazy. Pay attention to the way you sit and not being too relaxed will show your bosses you like what you do. 

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2Don’t roll your eyes

This is considered a rude gesture regardless of wherever you are, be it at work or among friends. Well! You friends may to notice it or pass it off as some weird unique aspect of your character; the same won’t go down well with your boss. Even your colleagues at work may not take it lightly and feel offended. People usually roll their eyes to show disgust or sarcasm. 

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3Using “fig leaf” posture

This is a very bad way for any man to stand. Remember, you aren’t naked and neither are you, Adam. So stop covering your balls because co-workers and your boss may find it offensive. Always watch where you are putting your hands at work. 

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4Expressing boredom

When you are a bit under the weather, you may get bored but the occasional boredom is ok. However, irrespective of how you feel, it would be to your advantage to hide your emotions at work. The reason being that your boss may feel you should be replaced with a more productive and active person. 

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Stop doodling and concentrate on work instead

You should stop doodling or fidgeting. Instead, change the atmosphere by offering help to colleagues which can be a distraction for you sour mood. This also shows your boss your passion for the work. 

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5Trying to invade another person’s personal space

Regardless of your rapport with colleagues and your boss, you should always allow them their personal space and never try to invade it. This isn’t a very good idea because a person may subconsciously feel intimidated or threatened by you. It can make anyone feel uncomfortable and distracted from their own work. Always maintain a healthy distance from people which is considered good etiquette.

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6You enter the office too quietly

It’s a bad sign to sneak into an office without so much as wishing people “good morning” or saying “hi”. Your colleagues and your boss may regard it as a sign of arrogance because you may feel they aren’t worthy to wish, or it may be construed as assign of rudeness. 

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7Separating from your surroundings

When working in a new office, one tends to be a bit shy of new surroundings. Separating yourself constantly from colleagues and not taking part in amiable or productive team activity or even eating alone, shows that you don’t care about establishing friendly relationships with anyone. This also proves to others that you are isolated and an introvert. Even if you find it difficult, try to get out of your comfort zone and make friends with your colleagues. 

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8Leaning on surrounding objects

A research at Stanford University found that when you stand tall, it makes you appear powerful indirect and directly. Body postures at work convey messages to people and influences how you will be treated by others. Leaning on other objects can display a sign of weakness. Standing straight with a good posture makes people feel that yes, you are dedicated to your work. 

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9Placing your hands behind your back

Spencer Kelly a neuroscience professor observed in a study that hand gestures serve as important communication and body language is just as important as words. Keeping your hands behind your back signifies an untrustworthy person especially at work. There is no need for wild physical articulation or overactivity however always keep hands and palms open. 

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10Stop checking your watch too often

When you keep looking at the time or glancing at the clock too often, it is a very rude gesture. Regardless of whether you are communicating with your boss or with friends, this gesture shows you aren’t happy with their presence and want to be rid of them. When speaking with others, keep your watch or time aside. If you really have to go, politely tell them you will continue the conversation later. 

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11Moving your body away from a conversation

This is a very rude and stupid thing to do at work especially when a briefing is going on. Staring out the window at a meeting shows you just aren’t interested and wants the whole thing over. Always keep yourself involved in a meeting even if you are being threatened by it. Be engaged physically and mentally. Never daydream and immerse yourself with the goings on and the action. 

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12Messaging while at work

While at work and if you are in a meeting, or discussion with colleagues, it would be very rude to keep on messaging which shows your level of interest. Unless the message is very very important, it would be best to keep your Smartphone away from the work table. 

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