11 Body Language Mistakes We Make at Work

Many people dream of being promoted in their work and do everything possible to stand out in front of their bosses. According to the laws of psychology, little things like posture and our gestures are almost as important as the actions themselves. In this post, we’re going to reveal some secrets on how to stand out at work through the right use of body language.

Here in the incredible.club, we curated a set of body language mistakes that many of us make on a daily basis at the office. Avoiding these slips will certainly bring you closer to the promotion you so desire!

We all like to relax at home, when we can lie back in our favorite armchair or sofa in front of the TV. But many of us relax so much in the workplace that we tend to do it right there. This isn’t just bad for your back, it’s also bad for your image.

This relaxed position makes other people think that you consider the things you are doing unimportant, because you feel too comfortable and therefore can appear lazy. Always try to look at the way you sit. A less relaxed way of sitting can reassure your boss that you are very interested in what you are doing.

Basically, this gesture is considered disrespectful, no matter where you are, whether it’s at work or with your friends. However, even if friends do not notice it, their colleagues will definitely be offended. And they have good reason to do so, because people tend to roll their eyes when they want to show that someone around them has said or done something really stupid.

This position is very common among men: with the hands together at the level of the pelvis, in the genital area. The second name given to this position is “fig leaf”. By doing so, you may offend those around you and it will likely make them feel uncomfortable, as well as revealing a defensive position on your part. So be aware of where you keep your hands while communicating with your co-workers!

No matter how friendly you are with your boss or colleagues, invading other people’s personal space is not the best idea. Unconsciously, the person whose space is being invaded may feel threatened, distracted, or just plain uncomfortable. That’s why it’s important to always maintain a distance of approximately 90 to 240 centimeters from the people around you, in line with the rules of etiquette.

Entering the company wanting to go unnoticed, without greeting your colleagues, is definitely a bad sign. They may interpret this as arrogance or that you are rude. That’s why it’s imperative to never forget to greet other people, at least with a wave or a smile when entering the same room they are in.

All human beings, at some point in our lives, get bored, especially if we feel sick, or if something bothers us. However, no matter how you feel, it is better to learn to hide your emotions at work. Otherwise, your boss may take this as a sign that it’s time to replace you with a more active person. Stop scribbling and sighing, and instead change your attitude, for example by offering help to your colleagues. This will distract you from the bad mood you are feeling and will show your superiors that you are active enough to receive a promotion.

We all feel shy when starting out in a new workplace. But if you physically keep yourself away from your colleagues by not participating in group activities, or choose to always eat lunch alone, it could mean that you don’t want to form a friendly relationship with them. It indicates that you are isolated, hostile and uninterested. So, no matter how difficult this may seem, it’s imperative to leave your comfort zone and reach out to your peers (but always remember to respect their personal space).

Some research done at Stanford University has shown that standing up makes a person appear much more powerful both directly and indirectly. Your body posture conveys a lot of information to those around you and determines how they will treat you. So if you depend on walls, tables and other objects, others in your environment may interpret this as a sign of weakness. On the contrary, standing in an upright and straight posture can reveal confidence and security in you.

Your co-workers pay a lot of attention to your hands. A study conducted by Spencer Kelly, professor of neuroscience at the University of Cambridge, says that the movements we make with them are as vital to communication as our words, and that keeping them on your back during a conversation can make your colleague think that you not a reliable person🇧🇷 We’re not saying you should move them around a lot, but try to keep your hands and palms in view at all times.

Looking at your watch or phone during a conversation with a colleague, your boss or even a friend is perhaps the rudest gesture in history. What would you think if the other person, during a conversation, was constantly looking at the time? Probably anyone would feel that she is bored and wants to get rid of the date as soon as possible. So the most polite thing is to turn off or mute your phone and put it down while you talk to people. And simply letting them know if you’re in a hurry, offering an apology in advance and proposing to continue the conversation later if you really have more important things to do at the moment.

If you are in a meeting and stare out the window with your torso turned towards it, you can expect bad news. No matter how uninterested you are in this meeting, it’s important to always be involved in it, not only with your eyes and ears, but also with your whole body. Stop daydreaming and face the current situation!

Have you ever noticed if you are using any of these postures or gestures? Will you pay more attention at work from now on? Please write your answers in the comments!