5 Common Work Habits That Are Career Killers and Sabotaging Your Productivity

The old phrase “work smarter, not harder” has never been more relevant than it is today. But as workplace environments and changing attitudes evolve, certain habits that may seem harmless could actually be hindering career advancement, leading to a host of other issues, including workplace depression, poor productivity, and stagnant salaries.

According to experts, it’s imperative that we recognize and address these bad habits to ensure professional growth. “The more we accept a workplace that cultivates these habits, the better chance we have of creating higher turnover and unhappy employees who take no pride in their work,” says Kasra Dash, a leading SEO consultant and entrepreneur. 

To help professionals avoid these pitfalls, Kasra has identified the top five bad habits in the workplace, offering expert advice on how to overcome them. 

1. Constant Multitasking

Constant multitasking is often seen as a way to get more things done in less time. However, when switching between tasks, the brain needs time to readjust, which can result in errors. One Forbes study showed that multitasking can reduce productivity by up to 40% and significantly impact work quality.

To overcome this habit, “Employees should prioritize tasks based on importance and complete them one at a time,” Kasra suggests. “Setting aside specific times for checking emails and messages can help reduce distractions, reduce stress, and prevent burnout.”

2. Failing to Delegate

 

Employees who fail to delegate take on too many tasks and do not utilize their team members' skills and abilities. This creates an overwhelming workload for the individual and leads to a lack of productivity.

Harvard Business Review reports that almost half of companies were concerned about their employees’ delegation skills, but only 28% offered assistance to improve them. Failure to delegate usually occurs because employees believe no one else can do the task as well as they can, or that delegating will make them seem less competent in the eyes of their supervisors. 

Kasra advises:

"To effectively delegate, start by clearly defining the task and its objectives, then choose the right person based on their skills and workload. Follow up regularly to provide support and feedback, making sure the delegated task is completed successfully while fostering team growth and trust."

3. Over-reliance on Email for Communication

According to PPM Express, employees spend 23% of their time on emails and can check it up to 36 times per hour. This can be a huge time waster.

On top of that, email communication lacks the personal touch of face-to-face interactions, making it difficult to read emotions or tone. This can lead to delays in responses and decision-making.

Over-reliance on email also promotes information overload, with employees spending significant time sorting through and responding to emails instead of completing essential tasks. 

Kasra has two solutions: 

“Employees should prioritize face-to-face or phone conversations for important discussions and utilize email for less critical matters. Also, limiting the use of email outside of work hours can help employees disconnect and recharge, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction.”

4. Going Through Things Over and Over Again

Continuously revisiting tasks or projects delays completion and prevents moving on to new tasks. This not only hinders productivity but also affects overall progress throughout a career.

“Start by setting clear goals and deadlines for yourself,” says Kasra, “This will help prioritize tasks and shift focus to completing them within a given timeframe. Trust your abilities and accept that mistakes are a part of the learning process. Acknowledge that there will be limitations to productivity and not every task can be completed perfectly.”

5. Excessive Perfectionism
 

The Lane Report states that 86% of leaders believe perfectionist expectations impact their work. While some may see perfectionism as a positive trait, it can often lead to self-sabotage and hinder productivity in the workplace.

The constant need for perfection can result in a fear of failure, causing individuals to avoid challenging tasks. This limits growth and development opportunities, leading to stagnant career progression.

To combat these tendencies, Kasra suggests, “Simple changes such as setting realistic goals and timelines, accepting constructive feedback, and learning to prioritize tasks can help individuals overcome their perfectionistic tendencies.”

Kasra concludes by saying:

"Beyond these productivity killers, there are other subtle habits that can derail careers. Chronic procrastination, resisting change, and avoiding difficult conversations are three that often fly under the radar. These habits hinder personal growth but also impact team dynamics and organizational progress. Tackling them is vital for long-term success. 

“By addressing these issues head-on, professionals can unlock their full potential, foster better workplace relationships, and drive innovation. Remember, the most successful individuals aren't just skilled at their jobs – they're constantly working on themselves, recognizing and overcoming these hidden obstacles to growth."