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The process of finding a job can take weeks and sometimes even months, especially due to the uncertainty amidst the COVID-19 global pandemic. This process begins from updating your resume, to filling out lengthy job applications, to the nerve-wracking interviews and then to the final phone call informing you whether you have been hired or not.
Regardless of how long the process from applicant to employee is, it could all come tumbling down after one misguided action, one bad decision or one mistake, that may lead to your termination. In order the avoid the stress and embarrassment of being terminated, here are some suggestions on how you can avoid being sacked:
1. Be punctual:
Showing up on time should be a commonplace not only in the workplace, but in every day life. If you have an appointment at the dentist and you turn up late, it is likely you will have to reschedule your appointment otherwise everybody else’s appointment after yours will be delayed. The same inconvenience may apply to your workplace. Understandably, life can sometimes throw a curve ball your way and you may be running late to work one day. As a professional curtesy, it is important to contact your employer and explain your reason for being late and inform them of when you anticipate to get there.
2. Avoid gossip and drama:
There is often drama and gossip circulating throughout a workplace, which may entice people to contribute in this “office banter”. Nevertheless, office gossip may involve circulating rumours, slandering people’s reputations, spreading misinformation and putting your own integrity on the line. Further, if you contribute to the gossip or rumours and create unnecessary drama in the workplace, this may constitute misconduct depending on the gravity of the situation. It is always best to steer clear of any drama.
3. Be flexible and accommodating:
In order to maintain a healthy and functional relationship with your employer, it is important to remember to be flexible. More often than not, employers may sometimes need you to complete a task for them that is not necessarily within your job description. However, employees should not whip out their employment contracts or recite their job description in order to demonstrate that the particular task is not within the scope of what they were hired to do. You and your employer need to work together and be accommodating with one another. It may well be that an employee might one day need a favour from their employer, such as a day off or to leave early for whatever reason, and they would not appreciate the employer pointing to their roster or employment contract about the agreed hours of work. Not being flexible or accommodating may indicate to your employer that you are not suitable for the role or you are no longer a good fit for the company as they need employees who can be flexible.
4. Be respectful at all time:
Workplace environments can sometimes be frustrating or heated for some employees and there are 2,087 average work hours in a calendar year. Thus, tensions and emotions may sometimes be high so it is important to remember to always be respectful to your co-workers and employer. Acknowledging our humanity at work means allowing people to express themselves, too. While it’s not okay to yell at someone, yelling can be a natural expression of frustration, just as crying at work is sometimes inevitable. However, there is a fine line between raising your voice or “yelling” out of frustration and causing intimidation. No one should have to work under such toxic and abusive circumstances, and companies certainly shouldn’t tolerate managers who abuse staff and create a culture of fear and intimidation. But at the same time, especially during the pandemic, workplaces are having to evolve to make room for the fact that we’re all bound to experience emotions while we’re on the clock—including anger. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that some workplaces do not tolerate any form of anger or yelling, especially when it is targeted towards another person and they feel threatened or scared. Thus it is the safest option to always remain as calm as possible and remove yourself from a situation before letting escalate and protects yourself from any potential disciplinary action.
5. Own up to your mistakes:
As humans, we often make mistakes and we are not perfect. In your employment, there may be times when you have made a mistake, no matter how big or small. If this does occur, it is important to own up to your mistake, inform your relevant superior and try your best to fix it if possible. If queried about the mistake, do not deny or try to blame another employee as this will not look good on your part. Own up to your mistakes or you may face disciplinary action if it is established you lied or tried to cover it up.
6. Be honest and transparent:
Workplace transparency is proven to breed long-term success. To be transparent means to share your thoughts and opinions honestly and respectfully. Transparency is an approach to communicating and forming relationships that emphasize being direct with people in your workplace. The more transparency there is in the workplace, the more candid conversations there are between employees and company leaders. Transparency is especially useful in increasing productivity and improving overall company performance because it avoids confusion and promotes sincere interaction. Done well, transparency creates trust and genuine relationships between employers and employees, ensures clear and effective communication, creates strong workplace teams, helps improve morale and lower job-related stress while increasing employee engagement and boosting performance.
7. Don’t flirt:
No matter how attractive you may find a co-worker; it is important to never flirt or converse in a sexual nature. If you do chose to “shoot your shot” and your co-worker turns you down, take that as a sign that they are not interested and any further flirtation will be unwanted and unwelcome. If an employee continues to flirt with a fellow co-worker, after that co-worker has made it clear they are not interested, the employee may be accused of sexual harassment, which can constitute grounds for dismissal.
8. Avoid person calls and surfing the net:
Once you are at work, you are required to complete work assigned to you. Employees can not be taking unnecessary personal calls or surfing the net for personal reasons during their work hours. Employers want to ensure their staff are being productive during work as they are paying you for the work you’re supposed to be doing. Unless it is urgent or an emergency, avoid using your mobile phone. If there is a matter you need to attend to urgently during work, be sure to advise your supervisor about this and indicate the importance so they are fully informed.
By Gary Pinchen
To discuss what options may be best in your circumstances, the employee rights relating to your workplace, call 1300 766 700 for an obligation-free consultation. We are A Whole New Approach P/l, we are not lawyers, but the nations leading workplace advisors, we keep it real, honest, acute, we are here for you. Been unfairly dismissed, forced to resign, adverse actions, subject to a workplace investigation, call us now, explore your options.
