Are You Often Really Bored At Work? You’re Not Alone Las Vegas
I must admit that I’m one of the lucky ones. I rarely feel that my workday is boring. A radio broadcast studio is a very busy place while you’re on the air. However, I do know from previous jobs before radio that the workday can really drag if you don’t have a lot to do. So, if you’re often bored at work, take heart because you’re not alone.
Most Americans Are Unproductive For A Quarter Of Their Workday
Do you ever pass the time at work playing a game of Solitaire on your computer? The reason I ask is that the folks at SolitaireBliss.com recently conducted a study to find out how many Americans are bored on the job. Not surprisingly, they find that many of us are unproductive for a quarter of our workday. So, if you’re working an eight-hour day, your job is boring you for at least two hours.
Apparently, the fully productive 8-10 hour workday is a myth. For most of us, it’s difficult to keep our focus and productivity at 100% during the entire workday. It’s human nature. However, some types of jobs and industries are more boring than others.
The article on SolitaireBliss.com by Assaf points out that their survey of 1,000 Americans reveals fields where on-the-job boredom is more prevalent. The legal field leads the way with 45% of respondents finding their workday boring. In second place, workers in the technology sector came to 41%. Thirdly, it’s folks working in the healthcare field at 36%.
Why Are We Frequently Bored At Work?
In general, Assaf’s article explains the reasons why many of us are unproductive at work. The survey reveals that 43% of us say that we lack motivation. Another huge reason employees report is that their actual work tasks are boring (42%). Close behind at 40% is the fact that many of our jobs depend on other people completing their work. Or the fact that we are constantly waiting for people to get back to us so we can finish our tasks.
Regardless, boredom at work is something that most Americans deal with for many hours during the work week. Are you ready to log on and play Solitaire now?
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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Larry Martino is the long-time afternoon drive personality on 96.3 KKLZ. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of Larry Martino and not necessarily those of Beasley Media Group, LLC.
