THERE are things you did in prep school that were quite harmless, but when taken into the working world, they become unprofessional, wrong, and could even cost your job. These are things that not only look bad on you, but could also affect those you work with. And though you may have gotten away with them so far, it doesn't make them any less wrong!
Here are a list of workplace sins you should stay clear of:

1. Stealing to make up for your 'small pay'.
Whether you think that the company 'owes' you things like Staplers, pens and other office supplies, or you simply don't think it's a big deal to take someone's items from their desk without asking, this is something that wouldn't go down well with your boss. Stealing can not only get you fired, it's illegal. And yes, it begins with the small things.

2. Blaming someone else for your mistakes.
It's dishonest, childish and tacky. Be adult and own up to it. It may even earn you some respect in the process.

3. Being an active member of the grapevine.
Just about everyone gets a certain high from hearing juicy gossip. And so we are quick to pass it along. But the more you can avoid doing so, the better off you will be. If you hear something, don't repeat it. The truth is, you are hurting someone in the process. Ask yourself how you would feel if someone does the same thing to you.

4. Calling in sick when you are perfectly healthy.
There is no reason you shouldn't give yourself a vacation, personal or mental health day. But calling in sick is not only irresponsible and insensitive to the co-workers who have to cover for you, but when you are truly ill it may not go down well on your record. Plus, lying is wrong.

5. Showing up when you are sick.
This coin has two sides. No one wants to see you at work coughing, hacking, spitting and sniffling from the flu. Nor will they appreciate being exposed to your germs.

6. Abusing office technology.
This includes spending a significant amount of time on personal phone calls, e-mails or instant messages; viewing pornography; using office time to type and print out personal documents (programmes for church etc); going online to catch up on last night's episode of your favourite soap opera; and using the office printer to make the invites to your birthday party.

7. Wearing belly baring tops to work.
Dressing professionally is just as important as behaving professionally in the workplace. Belly baring and other revealing clothing are not suitable for the office and should not be worn. Even if you work in a relatively casual office, you should still make the effort to wear clean clothes and have well-groomed hair. A good rule of thumb is to never dress better than your boss, nor worse.

8. Hitting on your employee.
You may think it is cute or that no one else notices but news spreads fast. It is unprofessional and a cause for disrespect if you hit on someone you supervise. This can be cause for embarrassment, and annoyance for employees (especially if you do it to more than one persons). This can easily lead to a sexual harassment suit.

9. Polishing your nails,combing hair and applying make-up at your desk.
All these speak to unprofessionalism. These are the reasons a mirror is in the ladies room.

10. Bringing your personal problems inside of the office.
If problems at home are so intense that they are distracting you from doing your job, you should take it up with your boss or human resources. But involving your co-workers in your personal problems is distracting and unprofessional.
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