There are certain unspoken realities of working in an office that we all indulge in but rarely acknowledge in public. These habits play a significant role in our daily productivity and interactions. Let’s pull back the curtain on the things everyone at work does but no one talks about, revealing the hidden side of office culture.
Checking Personal Email
Almost everyone sneaks a peek at their personal email during work hours, although few would admit it openly. It’s a quick escape, a momentary glance away from the tasks at hand. This small act helps break up the monotony of a regular workday.
Using Social Media
Scrolling through social media feeds is a common yet unspoken activity at many workplaces. While it might be against company policy, employees often use these brief breaks to disconnect and recharge before diving back into work. This guilty pleasure is kept under wraps to avoid reprimands or judgments from peers and superiors.
Daydreaming
Daydreaming is a universal experience, a mental vacation from the demands of the job. Everyone lets their mind wander now and then, contemplating vacations or personal projects. Although it’s a common practice, few openly discuss how these mental breaks help them maintain their sanity on stressful days.
Gossiping
Gossiping, whether it’s about colleagues or company news, is a widespread but hush-hush habit at work. This form of communication can bond team members but also sow discord, making it a taboo topic in official settings. Still, it undeniably plays a significant role in office dynamics.
Judging Outfits
Silently judging what others wear to work is an unspoken activity among colleagues. Whether it’s admiration for a stylish tie or disapproval of too-casual shoes, everyone has their opinions. These conversations are usually found in whispers over morning coffee or during lunch breaks.
Taking Longer Breaks
Many employees extend their breaks every now and then, taking extra time to enjoy a cup of coffee or catch up with a coworker. These extended moments can help reset a busy mind, though they are seldom recorded or reported in timesheets.
Faking Work
Faking busyness when there’s actually less to do is a common tactic employed by workers wanting to appear engaged. It’s often easier to look busy than to explain why you’re not, especially in environments that value constant activity.
Listening to Music
Many workers listen to music or podcasts through one earbud to keep one ear free of the environment around them. This helps pass the time and can increase focus, though openly enjoying something unrelated to work might be frowned upon.
Personal Calls
Making personal calls during office hours is another common but unspoken practice. Whether it’s to make a doctor’s appointment or to check in on a family member, these calls are often made discreetly.
Searching for Other Jobs
Job searching on the company dime is a serious no-no, but it doesn’t stop many from browsing job listings or updating their resumes while at work. This activity is kept under wraps due to its obvious implications but is quite common among those contemplating a career move.
Snacking Constantly
Constant snacking, especially at a desk, is a habit many indulge in but don’t discuss. It provides small breaks in the day and can be a source of comfort or a way to stay awake during lulls. Though it’s widespread, few would bring up their snacking patterns in a professional setting.
Complaining About the Boss
Virtually everyone vents about their boss at some point, but these complaints are usually reserved for trusted coworkers. The sanctity of these venting sessions is maintained by an unspoken rule of confidentiality. It’s a therapeutic practice that helps employees manage stress and bond with colleagues over shared frustrations.
Lying About Traffic
Blaming traffic for tardiness is a classic excuse many employ, whether traffic is truly the culprit or not. It’s an easily relatable and hard-to-verify claim that gives workers a buffer when running late. This little white lie is universally understood but seldom questioned.
Secretly Texting
Texting under the table during meetings is a modern-day sleight of hand. Employees keep their phones out of sight while casually keeping up with group chats or urgent texts. This covert operation keeps them connected without drawing attention to their divided focus.
Counting Down Minutes
Watching the clock and counting down the minutes until the end of the day is a silent countdown everyone participates in, but nobody talks about it. As the workday stretches on, glances at the clock become more frequent. This universal feeling of anticipation for the day’s end is felt by all.
Hiding Mistakes
When minor mistakes happen, the first instinct might be to correct them quietly without drawing attention. The fear of criticism or consequences leads many to handle errors undercover. While transparency is often preached, the practice of quietly fixing small errors is common.
Ignoring Emails
Choosing which emails to ignore temporarily—or permanently—is a decision workers make daily. Not all emails require immediate attention, and some may not warrant a response at all. This selective engagement is a strategy to manage workload.
Judging Email Tones
Interpreting the tone of emails can be a subjective and silently contentious aspect of office communication. Employees often read between the lines, trying to decide what is meant beyond the words.
Enjoying Office Supplies
There’s a small thrill in getting new office supplies, and many take joy in choosing and using them, even if they don’t admit it. This simple pleasure can brighten a mundane day and is universally recognized among office workers.
Practicing Speeches
Preparing for presentations or important meetings often involves silently rehearsing speeches or arguments at one’s desk. Practicing out loud is less common, as most prefer to run through key points in their minds.
Watching the Clock for Lunch
The approach of lunchtime can be the highlight of the day, and many watch the clock eagerly as it nears. This anticipation is a common feeling that helps break up the workday. Though it’s a shared sentiment, the level of eagerness for that break is often kept private.
