11 Body Language Mistakes to Avoid at Work
Small actions through body language can directly affect the attitudes of those around you towards your work.
![]() |
Sit comfortably: Everyone wants to have the most comfortable sitting position when working, however, sitting comfortably can make your image worse, affecting the spine. You should choose the right posture to ensure your health as well as create sympathy with your boss and colleagues. |
![]() |
Rolling your eyes: Rolling your eyes is one of the actions that shows a lack of politeness in communication. People who roll their eyes tend to notice all the activities of people around them, making the person opposite or communicating with you feel offended. |
![]() |
Putting your hand in front of your genitals: This action is often done when you want to avoid some kind of injury, such as when playing soccer. However, doing this action in the workplace will make others feel uncomfortable. |
![]() |
Distance/personal space: Even if your colleagues are friendly, you should still maintain distance. Because each person has their own personal space that makes them comfortable, when you encroach on that space, they will feel distracted and worried. |
![]() |
Sneaking into the office: Sneaking into the office without saying hello is bad form. Your coworkers may think you are arrogant or rude. So, when you enter the office, say hello or simply smile. |
![]() |
Showing boredom: There are many reasons why we are bored at work, but it is best not to show it on our faces. In any case, you should learn to hide your emotions at work. Suppose, the leader sees and will think of replacing you with another employee who is more active and enthusiastic. |
![]() |
Isolation from the surrounding environment: Everyone will have a period of shyness before a new job, but if you keep isolating yourself from friends, not participating in group activities, sooner or later you will be eliminated from this working environment. This shows that you are isolated, unfriendly and do not care about others. |
![]() |
Based on the surrounding objects: Body posture conveys a lot of different information and signals. According to research at Stanford University, when you stand up straight, you show strength and gain more trust from others. |
![]() |
Keeping your hands behind your back: A neuroscience professor has pointed out that the movement and position of your hands in communication plays an important role in expressing your opinions and attitudes. Hiding your hands behind your back when communicating shows that you are not trustworthy. |
![]() |
Constantly looking at your watch: When you are talking to your boss or colleagues but you constantly look at your watch, it is a rude act. The other person will think that this is a boring conversation and you want it to end quickly. Therefore, limit constantly looking at the time to respect the other person, but in case of urgent matters, you should explain and choose the level of importance and appropriateness of the task to be done. |
![]() |
Not looking straight but turning your back when talking: In a meeting, or talking to friends but constantly looking out the window, turning your back to the person you are talking to, then the problems when exchanging are really difficult to achieve success. Because this sitting position shows that you do not really respect the person you are talking to. |