This is nothing new. There are bosses who think we are on Facebook almost all the time. And let’s face it, for those who are allowed to access the Internet at work, we do take breaks.
Thing is, our bosses always chance on us when we are taking these harmless 5 minute breaks. Damn. And then they give us ‘the look’, we panic inside, but try to look like we’re working . Too late. Your boss now thinks you are a damn lazy bum although you have been working your ass off.
So how now brown cow?
Make Your Work Calendar Extremely Visible
Please don’t grab anyone who walks past and shove the calendar in their faces. Use a huge white board. Lay out your daily task list, your meetings, deadlines. Your boss will have eyes to see that there’s no way to squeeze 48 hours worth of work into 8 hours.
By the way, a daily task list in your face really helps keep you organized, productive, and focused. It’s a great way to track your progress, and also create that sense of fulfillment when you cancel off the completed stuff.
Image Source: http://instagr.am/p/HpzlXggtpB/
You Can Only Talk To Me From 2pm – 4pm
Or any time of the day when you are least productive.
Fact is, at a busy work place, some how or another, your colleagues or boss always want to talk to you.
Especially if you are in a project team, your team members will need to interact with you. It can get frustrating because you can’t seem to get anything done.
So, instead of getting interrupted every 10 minutes, make it known to your colleagues the time slot when they can interrupt you. It’s a clear signal to everyone in your office, and yes your boss, that you need uninterrupted time to get quality work done.
Image Source: http://instagr.am/p/Jzr5IxFMPJ/
Busy
Obviously, if you use Instant Messenger, some chat functions, or even your Whatsapp, you should have the option to set it on “busy”.
I’m busy. I can’t keep responding to you if I have work piled as high as Mount Everest. Duh. Talk to me from 2pm – 4pm. Boo yah.
Image Source: http://the-angry-scot.blogspot.com
Plugged In With Some Visual & Sound Effects
When you are using earphones or headphones, chances are your colleagues may refrain from talking to you. It sends out the message, ‘I’m not interested to hear other crap.’ But honestly, music is a great way to help you set a work routine, drown out office noises. I mean of course it’s up to you. You can be plugged in but leave the music off for absolute silence.
Ah, by the way, adding sound effects like sighing, hm-ing, and visual effects such as frowning, can help convey the message, I am very busy and in deep thought.
Have A Lunch Date With Your Work Desk
Please don’t do this everyday, it’s not healthy. But in situations when you really can’t afford to leave your desk because you are trying to meet a deadline, eating at your desk beats skipping lunch.
Plus, it sends the message, I am not trying to go on a diet, I am seriously hungry but I have to get this shit done.
Image Source: Dilbert.com
Face Your Computer, Type Furiously
I think it’s quite explanatory that when you are typing away furiously, you are extremely engrossed in trying to get something important done urgently. If you need to, for some obsessive compulsive reasons, check your Facebook, please sync this into the work furiously mode.
Okay, I must say, unless you are really darn free, even after your you’ve asked your boss if there’s any tasks for you, and the reply is no… That’s not really possible is it? Or you’re gonna lose your job. But in the event that is really the case, by all means use surf the web, use Facebook, Twitter, watch YouTube, but at least have the decency to show your boss some respect.
My Desk Is A War Zone
Messy desk with random piles of documents all over your workspace simply shows, “Walao, this person so busy until no time to pack table.” If anyone tries to pack your desk, panic. It will exhibit high stress levels, because messing up your desk means messing up your work.
But of course, keep your chaos organized. You don’t really want to freak out and realize you lost a $500,000 contract your manager asked you to prepare, for a meeting in 10 minutes. Save your own ass please.
Image Source: http://office-desk-guides.blogspot.com
Me In Bad Mood
Someway or another, busy people are always impatient, frustrated, grumpy, and annoyed. They will glare when you interrupt them.
Work In Hand, Everywhere You Go.
This means, everywhere in the office, have your work documents in hand. Papers, notebooks, laptops, whatever that shouts ‘I’m working, dammit!’.
Picture yourself walking around empty handed. Either you are really idling, heading to the pantry, café, or off for a smoke break. Not too good.
Going home with some paperwork or laptop = I’m going to work somemore at home, I have no life, boss. Please don’t do this too often, as it comprises your rest, personal life, messes up this thing called work-life balance – yes it exists, and for bosses to know, productivity and efficiency when you’re back at work the next day looking like a zombified panda.
I Work Late
Staying late in office when your boss is still around means you really have so much work to do you can’t afford to go home. Also, going home after your boss goes home really means you have shit loads of work. But that also means you really need help with your workload, and your boss should do something about it, before you RIP on your work desk.
Image Source: http://www.healthline.com
If you’re hardworking, look hardworking, you’re actually productive and efficient, but your boss doesn’t give a damn about you, just know you don’t have to sell your soul. But if your boss is human, cares, and takes concrete action to help you out from work overload, you’re in good hands.
Bosses, if you have a family and a life, so do your employees.
Featured Image Source: http://instagr.am/p/JvjlpehCln/
