Acupuncturist Learns That ‘Phoning It In’ Doesn’t Always Work
There are some jobs than can be done with the bare minimum of effort. You’ve heard our show. But there are other occupations that require nothing less than the maximum amount of care and attention. Airline pilots, for example, should never phone it in at work. The same goes for surgeons and judges. I would also add acupuncturists to that list.
Acupuncturist Chooses An Odd Time To Take A Break From Work
The Des Moines Register reports that an Iowa acupuncturist has been accused of sleeping on the job. Literally. A patient of state board certified acupuncture specialist Dave Wang had to call police last year when Wang inserted the needles into him, went home, and took a nap.
After waiting an hour and a half for Wang to come back, “The patient took the needles out on his own and called the sheriff’s office for assistance,” according to the state board. The Board of Medicine charged Wang with professional incompetence, but he ended up with only a warning and a $500 fine. Maybe he should find work as a mattress tester instead.
How Other People Are Avoiding Work
Of course, in this age of the work-from-home lifestyle, it has become a lot easier for people to get away with not really working that hard. That has companies wondering whether or not their remote employees are putting in a full 8-hour day. Some employers are installing software that can detect whether or not you are sitting at your laptop and doing any work at all.
The software can detect whether or not there is activity on your computer. If your computer is inactive, it sends an alert to your employer that you are not working. To get around this, you can install software on your computer that will move your cursor around. However, companies are now able to detect that as well. But there’s a work-around for that, too.
There are also devices that physically jiggle an old fashioned mouse. Allegedly they are harder for your employer to detect because they are not software. They are physically moving a mouse. Amazon sells one for about $20. I wouldn’t recommend using something like this if you have a truly important job that could potentially impact the lives of others. Remember what happened when Homer Simpson found a shortcut while working from home as a Nuclear Safety Technician?
9 Office Behaviors You Should Definitely Skip
Oversharing Too Much Personal Information
At the office, it’s usually best to leave your personal problems at the door. Sharing too much about your personal life can make your coworkers uncomfortable, and it might affect your professional image. We all have our ups and downs, but oversharing personal issues, like that big breakup or crazy weekend, can make your coworkers feel a bit awkward. Imagine you’re in the middle of a team meeting discussing a project, and someone suddenly launches into the intricacies of their dating life. But, when it’s an emergency, like someone in the family falling sick or a personal health issue, don’t hesitate to let the right people know.
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Unspoken Office Food Rules
In the realm of office etiquette, there are some unspoken rules regarding food. First, it’s just common sense not to talk with your mouth full. Secondly, it’s a clear no-no to help yourself to someone else’s food from the office fridge. Lastly, be mindful of what you heat in the microwave. Strong-smelling dishes like onion and anchovy pizza can be a bit overwhelming for everyone else. Don’t forget about popcorn in the microwave. Burnt popcorn smell isn’t pleasant for anyone. So, keep an eye on it while it’s popping.
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Personal Grooming
While it’s great to stay fresh and clean at work, you’d typically want to steer clear of doing your personal grooming stuff in the office. That means no nail clipping, nail polishing, nose-picking, or any other grooming rituals that might make your coworkers cringe. Save that stuff for your personal time.
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Unnecessary Noise
In a cramped office with thin walls and no private doors to shut, you should be considerate of the shared space. It’s a good idea to keep personal calls and loud chit-chat to a minimum, especially in open workspaces. Nobody wants their concentration derailed, right? And speaking of noise, save the rock concert-level music and the crazy loud social media videos for after hours.
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Messy Workspace
Maintaining a tidy workspace is a must. You wouldn’t want to become known as the person with the messy cubicle that has an odd odor, right? Whether you have a desk all to yourself or not, keeping it clean and organized can do wonders for your daily productivity and overall work experience.
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Poor Hygiene
Showing up to work with poor hygiene is a no-go. For starters, it’s all about keeping things professional and respecting your colleagues. Nobody wants to sit next to a coworker with funky smells, right? Feeling fresh and clean can boost your mood and your work game. If you ever need a quick hygiene fix, no shame in stepping away to use some deodorant or give your teeth a brush in the bathroom.
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Personal Space & Boundaries
Whether you’re in an open office or a cubicle doesn’t matter. Respecting personal space is a must. Being considerate of your colleagues’ belongings and giving them room to breathe is key. It ensures a productive and respectful office atmosphere where everyone can focus without feeling crowded or uncomfortable.
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Overdoing It With Foul Language
While a slip of a swear word might happen to the best of us in the office, you can’t predict what language might rub a coworker or boss the wrong way. To keep the peace, it’s a good plan to steer clear of strong language in your office chats and messages. And when it comes to those work emails, stick to pro-speak. It’s just safer and smoother that way.
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Leaving It How You Found It
Leave things as you found them. For instance, if you happen to use up the last sheet of copy paper, it’s a common courtesy to make sure it gets replaced. This small act of consideration contributes to a cooperative atmosphere and ensures that the office operates seamlessly. It’s a simple yet effective way to demonstrate respect for your colleagues and the workplace as a whole.
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