Just ten things NOT to do at work...

Most of these should be common sense for most people. Unfortunately, in my 5 years as a supervisor of employees from age 15 - 40 I can tell you that not everyone has much in the way of common sense.

10. DON'T Show up late without calling ahead.

Don't be afraid of what your supervisor or manager might say, instead, realize that their job is contingent on whether or not you do yours well. Even if you only suspect that you might be late, give your employer the information he/she needs in order to prepare for any problems that your tardiness might cause. Your workplace most likely has a policy on how early to call and what number to call.

9. DON'T Ask for days off without proper notice.

This should be obvious enough, asking off for days too late is:
a. a good way to not get days off.
b. a good way to make your supervisors day just a little worse.
If your supervisor actually decides to give you those days off:
a. he/she is much less likely to give you days off in the future.
b. he/she probably has to redo the entire schedule for those days.
(If you must ask for days off past the due date, give your supervisor a possible solution to the problem. For instance, if you know of another employee who doesn't work those days, ask them if they would be willing to work for you.)

8. DON'T Come to work unwashed, unshaven, unkempt, intoxicated, or under the influence of drugs.

This one is rather simple, before you come to work be sure that you don't smell bad, have your uniform on and clean (if you are required to wear a uniform), and comb or brush your hair. If you are dumb enough to come to work drunk or high, then you probably deserve to be terminated.

7. DON'T Attempt to resolve personal business (such as personal phone calls, e-mail, bill payments, or other items of personal issue) while at work.

When you are at work, be at work. Don't try to multitask things that you shouldn't. If you feel that you must do something of this nature, ask your supervisor for permission, it will most likely not be a problem. (However, if they say no, don't force the issue.)

6. DON'T Argue with your supervisor or manager when they ask you to do something.

If your supervisor has given you a task to complete, don't whine or complain about it. Remember, you are getting paid for it and that no job is perfect. Your supervisor obviously trusts you enough to do the task and therefore you should take it

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