Often, people feel that career success is all about getting the job done. While performance is important, it’s not the whole story. A successful career is built on more than simply completing tasks; it includes strong relationships, professional reputation, and consistent positive habits in the workplace.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 workplace habits to boost your career success, with both timeless practices and new, up-to-date habits that reflect today’s evolving workplace. But first, let’s define what we mean by a workplace habit.
What Are Workplace Habits?
A workplace habit is an action or behaviour that you repeat regularly until it becomes second nature. Good workplace habits help you stay productive, focused, and reliable, qualities employers value highly.
They are not innate skills; they’re built through repetition, persistence, and consistency. As James Clear highlights in Atomic Habits, starting small and increasing gradually is often the best way to embed new habits. With the right strategies, you can build habits that not only enhance your daily performance but also accelerate your career growth.
10 Workplace Habits to Boost Your Career Success
1. Try Corporate Volunteering
If your company offers corporate volunteering, take advantage of it. It’s not just good for the community, it also develops leadership skills, teamwork, and empathy, while positioning you as someone committed to social responsibility. According to CECP, more than 73% of companies now include volunteering as part of their employee programmes.
2. Create Routines for Productivity
Routines give structure to your day and prevent wasted time. Build a workday routine that aligns your toughest tasks with your most productive hours, schedule short breaks to recharge, and use reminders or digital tools to help you stay on track.
3. Be a Team Player
Employers value team players more than ever. Collaborative working speeds up tasks, strengthens relationships, and creates opportunities to learn from others. Being a team player and being recognised as a supportive team member can also put you in line for promotions.
4. Always Be Punctual
Punctuality shows respect for others’ time and demonstrates reliability. This doesn’t just mean arriving at meetings on time; it also means meeting deadlines, responding promptly to colleagues, and delivering work consistently.
5. Invest in Your Development
Continual learning is essential for long-term career success. Attend training, seek mentorship, or enrol in online courses. Even if your company doesn’t provide development opportunities, look for them independently. Your skills are your most significant career asset.
6. Learn to Manage Stress
High stress affects performance, health, and relationships. Build habits that reduce stress, such as exercise, mindfulness, or simple breathing techniques during busy days. Leaders and employers take note of those who remain calm under pressure.
7. Adapt to Flexible Work Locations
In a world of hybrid and remote work, adaptability is a critical habit. Get comfortable working effectively from different environments, whether at home, in the office, or on the move. Ensure you have a reliable setup in multiple locations so you can maintain performance wherever you are.
8. Use Technology to Your Advantage
Digital tools can transform your efficiency. From project management apps like Asana or Trello to communication tools like Slack or Teams, leveraging the right tech helps you work smarter, not harder. Keeping up with digital literacy also makes you more future-proof as workplaces evolve.
9. Build Your Personal Brand
Your career success isn’t just about what happens inside the office. Cultivate a professional presence online, whether through LinkedIn, industry forums, or thought-leadership content. Building a personal brand showcases your expertise and makes you more visible to new opportunities.
10. Prioritise Wellbeing and Work-Life Balance
Modern employers are increasingly aware that wellbeing drives performance. Develop habits that protect your health, such as setting boundaries, taking regular screen breaks, or maintaining a fitness routine. A healthier you is also a more productive and creative professional.
Building The Right Habits
Workplace success is not about luck; it’s about building the proper daily habits. By combining classic practices like punctuality and teamwork with modern habits such as tech-savviness, adaptability, and wellbeing, you’ll put yourself on a strong path towards long-term career success.
The key is consistency. Choose one or two habits to strengthen, stick with them, and gradually add more over time. With dedication, your workplace habits will boost your career success and help you thrive in an ever-changing professional world.
