7 Embarrassing Work Habits Your Coworkers Secretly Want You To Stop

Ignoring the dress code if your WFH job calls for one, or if you're meeting a client virtually

Your remote job may not require you to wear business casual wear, but some people may not want to see you wearing an oversized tee or pajama shirt that has holes in it. This is especially true if you know important clients are going to be on a Zoom call. Caruana says, "Zoom attire (the "up-top chic, down below sweats" look made famous by Covid) is the go-to for many of us now, but it's important not to let standards slip below that if you're on calls with clients."

Her rule of thumb is to be mindful of what you're wearing even if you are at home. "If you wouldn't meet a client in your food-covered-hoodie IRL, I don't recommend you do it on Zoom either. As for internal meetings — that's up to you, your colleagues and company policy to decide, but I think it's still nice to respect the fact people have taken the time to meet you and to take your PJs off."

Multitasking to the point that you're not paying attention

You're not a terrible person if you're taking notes during a meeting because it's impossible to remember everything that's discussed. However, it can become an issue if you're overly focused on note-taking, what's going on outside your window, that project you're trying to wrap up, what you're going to eat for dinner, or what's happening on the latest episode of Bridgerton.

"Remember those early Zoom days when we were all so focused on not revealing ourselves that we actually paid attention? Today there's a good chance everyone on the call is simply nodding and smiling while actually getting through their to-do list in the background," Caruana says. Ironically this reminds me of a scene from Madagascar where the lead penguin says, "Just smile and wave boys."

I'd be lying if I said my mind doesn't drift during meetings sometimes, but it truly makes a world of difference when you're actively engaged during a work call. "I know it's tempting, but it is important to stay present on Zoom meetings, just as you would in-person. It's the only way you can avoid that dreaded moment when you are called on by your boss but have no idea what's going on," Caruana says. "Plus, it's only fair to give other people your time and attention if they've showed up to spend time with you. AND multitasking is never the most efficient way to get things done.

Using your social media voice during important Zoom and work calls

Raise your hand if social media lingo has slipped into your everyday conversations. I can't tell you how many times I've said and written, "It's giving [blank]" or "It's the [blank] for me." I'm human, so I'm throughly capable of being influenced.

However, not everyone understands certain lingo, so it's best not to sprinkle them throughout your work calls. Not only that, but some 'jokes' have the tendency to fall horrifically flat. We've all been in a meeting where someone decides to recount a funny joke that's actually cringey.

"Yes, it's online — but that doesn't mean you should act like the comments section of a Twitter (sorry, X) thread. If you wouldn't communicate a certain way in person, then don't do it in a Zoom meeting. Oh and don't make inappropriate jokes," Caruana says.

Checking your phone or tablet for other incoming messages

I learned early on that people do not appreciate when you're on your phone while they're talking to you, but not everyone is aware of how this may come across. Caruana says, " Don't look at your smart watch to check your messages in clear view. It makes it look like you have somewhere more important to be!"

Drinking wine during calls

I wish I could make this up, but I've definitely heard an unpleasant story about a client appearing on a Zoom call with a full wine glass in their hand. Hopefully no one who works from home has done this during team meetings, but I thought it'd be a good idea to mention how awful that is.

We all love a good glass of wine, but I don't think our colleagues want to see us downing a full glass in the middle of the afternoon.

Smoking with your camera off

It is with a heavy sigh that I'm typing this. My S.O. used to work from home and had daily Zoom meetings with his team. Although one of his co-workers usually kept her camera off, everyone could hear her lighting a cigarette and puffing into the phone. He said it's the most annoying thing to hear something blowing loudly into their headset while you're trying to debrief about various tasks.

Uh, I can only imagine and have a couple of thoughts. One, that's annoying. Two, that's just having bad manners. If you wouldn't light a cigarette in the middle of a conference room, I highly recommend you don't do it while you're on a Zoom call.

Showing Up Empty Handed

To start, I'm a firm believer in never showing up to anywhere empty-handed whether it be a party, a dinner, or staying overnight at someone's house. Always bring something, even if it's small. I love to bring a bottle of wine with a bow tied around it, or a homemade dessert always does the trick as well!

Grotts, says, "Take an appropriate hostess gift. If you’re the guest of a family with children, a small gift for the children is fitting (think a puzzle or book), or you could take a gift for the entire family to enjoy, such as a board game. Other gifts might include a book or a kitchen gadget." We love the idea of bringing a small gift for their kids or something for them to do as a family!

Opening Their Fridge Door Without Asking

I feel like this should be common knowledge, but I'm shocked every time I see people do this at other people's houses. If you weren't given permission, it can seem extremely rude to open a fridge door that does not belong to you! Especially, don't take things inside without explicit permission from the host! You don't want to appear disrespectful or rude, so ask the host (politely) if they have what you're looking for so they can retrieve it — or at least give you permission to get it yourself.

Leaving A Mess Behind

This is probably one of the most important rules: always, always, always clean up after yourself when you're in someone else's home! It's not your place, so always be respectful of that and clean up after yourself. I like to make it appear as if I wasn't even there. I'm always cleaning up the common area and tidying up where they let me sleep. So, make sure to make the bed, don't leave clothes all over the floor, and especially put things back where you found them.

Shunk says, "Saying something like, 'Can I help with the dishes?' or 'Can I strip the sheets for you?' are two common offerings. These offerings tell the host that you are well aware of the work they are putting in and that you appreciate their efforts. Not offering at all may come across as ignorant."

We always want to make sure that we are checking in to offer help to the host!

Not Doing Your Dishes

I don't think anyone particularly likes doing dishes, but if you're in someone's home then make sure you're cleaning the dishes you use. I find it really disrespectful to leave things out after you've used them so just make sure to tidy up the space where you ate, throw things in the dishwasher, or rinse them off. Someone's letting you into their home and allowing you to use their dishes, so do this as a thank you!

Expecting To Use All Of Their Toiletries

It's very common for a lot of people to have toiletries in their guest bathroom for guests, but it's not the case for everyone so don't expect it! Make sure to bring your own toiletries so you're:

1. Not using up all of theirs
2. Prepared if they don't have any available

Not Saying "Please" And "Thank You"

Like anywhere else, make sure to use your manners and say "please" and "thank you" no matter what! Even if you're super close with them, it's still polite to continually thank the host and be an altogether gracious guest!

Expect To Eat Their Cooking

Sometimes hosts will provide food or invite guests to eat with them out of the kindness of their heart, but don't expect that to be the case! And definitely don't ask them "what's for dinner," because they may not have planned for more than themselves! Just wait to see if they ask, or plan for your own alternative dinner plans.

Overstay Your Welcome

Whether you're staying for dinner or a weekend, make sure your host knows how long you're planning on staying and check that it's okay ahead of time. No one likes the guest that just won't go home. So, confirm with them the time frame in which you're staying, so that it isn't strenuous for the hosts!

Grotts says, "Some guests stay too long and some don’t stay long enough. Strike the perfect balance and observe a two-night maximum." This is a great rule of thumb to follow!

Make Too Much Noise/Be Too Loud

When you're in someone's home, it's always polite to be mindful of the volume of which you're speaking, making phone calls, or watching TV. You especially don't want to be doing any of these things too late, because you don't want to disrupt the hosts and their neighbors. It can be incredibly frustrating to have to ask a guest to keep it down, or hear from the neighbors that your guest was too loud. Just be mindful of your volume and how late you're making noise!

Snoop Through Other Drawers Or Rooms

We all have snoopy tendencies, but if someone invites you over to hangout or to stay at their house, do not go in uninvited territory. For example, if you're staying in a guest bedroom, then stick to just using your designated room and bathroom. The common area is totally fine, but don't go into any other bedrooms, closets, and offices.

What I also love to do is double check with the host about closet/drawer space for your clothes, since a lot of times, people use those spaces for storage, and you don't want to go through them while you're there. It's just polite not to go where you haven't been invited to go, so always ask first!

July 2024: The Cliffs

The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan

Would you be willing to journey back to a place you once sought refuge as a teen? What if it looked and felt different than you remembered? What if you discovered secrets and buried ghosts that no longer want to remain hidden?

These are questions that Jane Flanagan finds herself answering as she journeys back to Maine after being away for some time. The house she used to seek refuge in has been renovated by a woman named Genevieve, but she feels that all of her hard work has gone to waste because things don't feel right.

She enlists the help of Jane to see if there are ghosts that wander the halls of the house and that's when the discoveries begin to happen. Jane realizes that some parts of history is impossible to erase no matter how much you try to paint over them.

June 2024: The Unwedding

The Unwedding by Ally Condie

Ellery Wainwright is left reeling after it's clear she and her husband won't be celebrating their twentieth wedding anniversary together in Big Sur, California. Never mind the fact she's dreaming about how it would be the perfect way to applaud themselves for building such a wonderful life together.

But, life comes at you fast and she's left ambling around the resort while people are prepping for a wedding. Talk about a slap in the face. Still, she begins observing all the newness that comes with people planning to spend the rest of their lives together. As beautiful as it is, she can't help but to feel unsettled the longer she's at the resort.

Sadly, her suspicions are confirmed when she finds the groom's dead body. This all but chokes the beauty of the resort from her heart and when someone else dies, it's clear that the unfortunate party is just getting started.

May 2024: How to End a Love Story

How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang

April 2024: The Most Fun We Ever Had

The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo

When Marilyn Connolly and David Sorenson fell in love, all they knew is that nothing could shake their foundation. Despite their unwavering hope in the past, their current reality looks differently than they imagined. Their four daughters — Wendy, Violet, Liza, and Grace — each have a unique set of problems that creates of chaos for the family. From the loss of one's husband to the secrets the youngest daughter keeps, the Sorensons are never quite sure what to expect.

In a shocking turn of events, a young man — Jonah Bendt — shows up and reveals that one of the daughters is his mom. He was placed up for adoption some time ago, but he's ready to come home to learn more about his biological family. There may be drama in The Most Fun We Ever Had, but there's still a family who finds a way back to the love that Marilyn and David have always believed in.

Art student Raquel only comes Anita de Monte's story after she starts feeling like she's starting to make a name for herself among College Hill's socialites. The more she learns about how Anita's life was horrifically cut short, she starts drawing parallels between their lives. It's almost like history is repeating itself and it's hitting too close to home.

As Gonzalez alternates between both of their perspectives, Raquel and Anita's lives begin to intersect in a way that makes Anita de Monte Laughs Last the kind of novel that'll have you thinking about it longer after you finish the last page.

Redwood Court reads like a historical love letter to Black families and contains relationships that remind me of my own family. When Mika Tabor starts asking questions about her family's history, she receives much more than her class assignment asked for. The more she listens to her grandparents and observes her parents, she realizes they've been telling her meaningful stories all along. From tales of racism to the sweet grasp of a world that began moving past obvious racial tension, this novel offers a glimpse into the homes of many Black families.

While I often say I'd like to pass down books to my kids, Redwood Court has become something that I feel is mandatory to read.

January 2024: "First Lie Wins" by Ashley Elston

Reese's Book Club is coming in hot with their first pick of the year! This thriller of a reader is all about "Evie Porter" and her separate identities. One paints the picture of who she truly is, but her job places her in the position of assuming a new name in order to complete the mission given to her by Mr. Smith. She's never met Mr. Smith, her boss, but she has the inkling that her latest mission hits a little too close to home.

Does he know more about her than she realizes and can she successfully fulfill the goal he has for? Buy your copy of First Lie Wins today to find out!

What would you do if you knew a terrible secret that involved the death of one of your best friends? In Before We Were Innocent, Bess and Joni find themselves trying to escape answering this. However, some things are hard to bury — especially when the past comes knocking in the form of Joni. Will the two former best friends be able to maintain their innocence or will they have to accept the truth about themselves?

If the past few years have felt like you've been stuck in a weird time loop, you'll love this page turner by Cesca Major. Maybe Next Time follows Emma as she navigates being a busy literary agent, wife and mother - except she only seems to have time for her career. When her husband is involved in a tragic car accident, Emma finds herself distraught only to wake up and see him alive again.

As the scenario continues to repeat, Emma will have to dig deep inside herself to correct patterns she's been a part of her to save not only her husband but life as she knows it.

Starling House is a daring tale of what happens when dreams meet determination, grit and evil. All Opal wants to do is create a haven for herself and her brother Jasper but she'll have to fight for it once she finds herself in the mysterious mansion of author E. Starling. In the depths of the shadows, she'll come face to face with things that'll test her resilience.

The women of the Rubicon family have a lot to tangle with in Mother-Daughter Murder Night. When powerful matriarch Lana's granddaughter Jack becomes the prime suspect in an unsolved murder, Lana becomes determined to find a killer instead of waiting for her disease to have it's last say. Find out what Nina Simon has in store for the town the Rubicons find themselves living in.

Tom Lake weaves a beautiful tale of remembered love and viewing the humanity of one's parent. When Lara begins to regale her three daughters of a former romance she shared with actor Peter Duke at Tome Lake, they begin to take stock of what they know about their mom as well as their own love lives.

Heartbreak has the potential to make you swear off love, which is something that late night writer Sally Milz knows all too well. She's also a firm believer in the "Danny Horst Rule," the phenomenon where average looking men exclusively date women more attractive than them — until pop star Noah Brewster shows up to host the late night show. Join her for an intoxicating love ride that makes her change her perspective.

If you love a good romance-murder mystery, you'll fall in love with Kya's story. After the town's golden boy winds up dead, everyone in town begins blaming Kya for his murder. With heartbreak and triumph woven throughout, Where The Crawdads Sing will become the summer read you can't put down.

Even when forbidden, love seems to find a way in The House of Eve. 15-year-old Ruby is set to be her family's first college attendee, until it appears a scandalous affair will bring her back into poverty. Meanwhile, Eleanor's in love with William, a member of an elite Black family in D.C. that doesn't let just anyone in. The lives of both women will collide in an unexpected way as they forge their own paths.

Maya witnessed her friend's sudden death in the woods seven years ago. Now, with nothing except a few hazy memories, she's determined to figure out what she saw, and who's behind it. The House In The Pines is proof that sometimes our past — and their secrets — don't stay dead.

Life can feel like a dumpster fire sometimes which is why Tiny Beautiful Things feels like a soothing hug. If you love advice columns, you'll love the beautiful compilation of questions "Dear Sugar" answers within the pages as Clare sets out to offer advice while her own life falls apart. After you read the book, check out our interview with Sarah Pidgeon, who stars in the Hulu series!

New friends Mia and Elena are pitted against each other when everyone in town splits over a custody battle. Adapted into a mini-series on Hulu at the beginning of the pandemic, Little Fires Everywhere is a tale that shows everything isn't always what it seems, and there are always secrets to be discovered.

Wrong Place, Wrong Time is a novel that explores the lengths a mother is willing to take to prevent her son from doing something unspeakable. Will she be able to piece together clues in time or will all hope remain lost?

This titular novel turned Emmy award-nominated Amazon Prime series Daisy Jones & The Six explores the rise — and fall — of a legendary (and fictional) band.

This heartwarming book about life at the River Valley School for the Deaf, and all of its students with completely different backgrounds, will make you laugh and cry with its beautiful depiction of human connection.

If you've never liked hearing "How can you hate from outside the club? You can't even get in," you'll be glad you're not a part of this members-only society. The club has been pushed to its limit and everyone has something to hide.

Nan infiltrates Agatha Christie's home in 1925, intent on luring her husband away. There's something about love, affairs, and dark secrets that make for a good read, and you won't be able to get enough of this tale where things aren't always what they seem.

"She's so lucky" ...or is she? Lucky redefines what it means to be honest when the titular character completes a million-dollar heist, and is left stranded by the very people who taught her how to scam.

When Anna learns the father she never knew is still alive, she travels to West Africa in search of answers. The tale of self-discovery through one's history, as well as the themes of home and belonging, is something we all long to understand at some point.

Families can be complicated, and the Alvarados are no different. If you're looking for a little break from your own family dynamics, you'll get a kick out of reading along as they navigate evacuations, relationship problems, and their father's obsession with the Weather Channel.

What happens when desire spills over and threatens to unravel everything two friends have built? The Paper Palace answers that as Elle must choose between continuing the life she has dedicated herself to and the life she never got to live.

When former lovers Eva and Shane reunite in the midst of their successful literary careers, they find that their chemistry is still as strong as it used to be. But, will the flame fizzle before their lingering questions are answered or will Eva choose vulnerability before Shane disappears again?

What would you do if your significant other disappeared without a trace, only leaving a cryptic note behind? In Hannah's case, she sets out on an unpredictable mission for answers — regardless of what lies ahead. After you read the book, check out our interview with Angourie Rice, who stars in the Apple TV+ series!

Le Sommet is a sanatorium-turned-luxury hotel in the Swiss Alps. Detective Elin arrives to celebrate her estranged brother Isaac's engagement to Laure, and her discomfort turns to all-out horror when Laure goes missing.

DNA tests can reveal new information about our ancestry, but when Abby learns that she has an older sister — and that her older sister is an Instagram star — the women decide to meet up and get to the bottom of why their parents split them up in the first place.

Nothing brings families together like food and age-old rivalries, something that sisters Amanda and Mae learn firsthand when they end up on opposite sides of a cooking competition. If you love hit TV series The Bear, you'll love The Chicken Sisters.

Other Stories On Reese Witherspoon's Book Club List

• "Yellowface" by R.F. Kuang
• "Cassandra in Reverse" by Holly Smale
• "Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?" by Crystal Smith Paul
• "The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah
• "The Marriage Portrait" by Maggie O'Farrell
• "Our Missing Hearts" by Celeste Ng
• "On The Rooftop" by Margaret Wilkerson Sexton
• "Honey & Spice" by Bolu Babalola
• "Counterfeit" by Kirstin Chen
• "The Dictionary of Lost Words" by Pip Williams
• "Anatomy" by Dana Schwartz
• "Honor" by Thrity Umrigar
• "The Island of Missing Trees" by Elif Shafak
• "Within These Wicked Walls" by Lauren Blackwood
• "We Were Never Here" by Andrea Bartz
• "The Downstairs Girl" by Stacey Lee
• "Tokyo Ever After" by Emiko Jean
• "Northern Spy" by Flynn Berry
• "Firekeeper's Daughter" by Angeline Boulley
• "Infinite Country" by Patricia Engel
• "Outlawed" by Anna North
• "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron
• "A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow" by Laura Taylor Namey
• "Group" by Christie Tate
• "Fable" by Adrienne Young
• "His Only Wife" by Peace Medie Adzo
• "Furia" by Yamile Saied Mendez
• "The Last Story of Mina Lee" by Nancy Jooyoun Kim
• "You Should See Me in a Crown" by Leah Johnson
• "Everything Inside" by Edwidge Danticat
• "I'm Still Here" by Austin Channing Brown
• "The Guest List" by Lisa Foley
• "The Henna Artist" by Alka Joshi
• "UNTAMED" by Glennon Doyle
• "The Jetsetters" by Amanda Eyre Ward
• "The Scent Keeper" by Erica Bauermeister
• "Such a Fun Age" by Kiley Reid
• "Conviction" by Denise Mina
• "The Giver of Stars" by Jojo Moye
• "Fair Play" by Eve Rodsky
• "The Secrets We Kept" by Lara Prescott
• "The Last House Guest" by Megan Miranda
• "Whisper Network" by Chandler Baker
• "The Cactus" by Sarah Haywood
• "From Scratch" by Tembi Locke
• "The Night Tiger" by Yangsze Choo
• "The Proposal" by Jasmine Guillory
• "The Library Book" by Susan Orlean
• "One Day in December" by Josie Silver
• "The Other Woman" by Sandie Jones
• "This Is How It Always Is" by Laurie Frankel
• "Still Lives" by Maria Hummel
• "Next Year in Havana" by Chanel Cleeton
• "Something in the Water" by Catherine Steadman
• "You Think It, I'll Say It" by Curtis Sittenfeld
• "Happiness" by Heather Harpham
• "Erotic Stories For Punjabi Widows" by Balli Kaur Jaswal
• "The Light We Lost" by Jill Santopolo
• "Braving the Wilderness" by Brené Brown
• "The Last Mrs. Parrish" by Liv Constantine
• "The Is the Story of a Happy Marriage" by Ann Patchett
• “The Rules of Magic” by Alice Hoffman
• "The Lying Game" by Ruth Ware
• "The Alice Network" by Kate Quinn
• "Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" by Gail Honeyman