Do not waste

Waste comes in many forms so beware of wasting time by gossiping, using the company’s computer for your own tasks or by slovenly time keeping. You are employed for a certain number of hours so make sure you work these hours.

Do not use your company’s resources for your own use. It may not seem a major thing to you but it is still stealing and these little things count. Make sure you work to the best of your ability and hand in the best work possible.

Develop a cheery disposition

No one likes to see a miserable face around the work place. This applies to colleagues and to customers. It makes such a difference to be greeted with a smile. You do not need to go overboard and act the clown but a cheery smile or a “Hello” goes a long way to creating a happy atmosphere.

Develop your relationships

Make sure you get on with everyone. If you cause conflict no one will want to employ you let alone promote you. We all have people we do not get on with but in work situations we have to try. Take an interest in their hobbies and try and find something you have in common.

Find out what makes them tick.  What are their strengths? Everyone has them if we only take the trouble to find them out. Be generous in your praise with colleagues. This should not me false praise but genuine and specific praise.

Do not gossip. It is very easy to get caught up in workplace gossip but it is not productive. Stick to work related issues and tasks. Be ready to help out if colleagues are in difficulty but this should not be at the expense of your own work. Nobody values a doormat.

Find out where your job fits in with the rest of the company

Find out exactly how you fit into your organisation. Who did the steps before your job and what impact does your job have on others?

Are there any refinements you can make to your job? Why are things done the way they are? What changes can be made to make it more efficient, have more value or create more job satisfaction?

Keep Fit

Making sure you eat well, get a good night’s sleep and take regular exercise and rest are all ways you can make sure your body is the best state to do your job. Avoid excessive alcohol and never turn up to work worse for wear. Not only is it unprofessional it is potentially dangerous too.

Avoid any unnecessary drugs. It may be necessary to take prescription drugs to help with an illness but all other drugs should be avoided at all costs as they impair your judgement and may be illegal and having a criminal conviction will not help your path to success.

Relaxation

This is important so you remain mentally and physically alert. Relaxation can take many forms and include; listening to music, relaxation CDs, taking a bath, reading a book, making time for a hobby or taking a walk.

It is not essential or wise to work 24/7. People function much better if they have a good work life balance. It may be necessary to keep a diary for a couple of weeks to see exactly how you are spending your time and then make adjustments to achieve the balance.