8 Narratives We Need to End About the Way Were Seen at Work

8 Narratives We Need to End About the Way Were Seen at Work We tend to believe toxic narratives in the workplace because, too often, workplace cultures reinforce them.Its not easy to break our mindsets or change the way we think because the following workplace behaviors are largely rewarded for the wrong reasons. But its imperative that we rewrite unterstellung narratives to reclaim respect for ourselves and our hard-earned careers.Here are eight wrong things we tell ourselves about the way were seen at work.1. I work long hours, so Im seen as a productive person.A 2014 national Gallup poll finds that the average number of hours a person works a week is 47, which is about 9.4 hours per day and many report that they work 50 hours per week, which is far more than fruchtwein of us expect to work. But, for a multitude of toxic reasons, we believe that working regular hours showing up on time and leaving on time isnt enough. We have to do more to be the first one at the office and the last one to leave. We need to prove that were reliable by being willing to regularly work long and odd hours, forgoing all semblance of a work-life balance.But the reality is that overworking yourself doesnt make you productive. Rather, it does quite the opposite. Working too-long hours can actually lead to burnout, which will have a significant impact on your productivity and workplace performance.2. I never take vacation because Im a hard worker.According to Project Time Off, Americans seldom take vacations even when theyre given to us. Its not because we dont want to, either. Rather, its because were afraid that well be considered unreliable or irresponsible for taking time off. But the truth is that taking a vacation can actually make you a better employee.3. No one else can do my job as well as me, so I cant delegate this.A true leader understands how to delegate tasks. They know who has strong skills and relevant experiences to handle specific duties, and they hone in on thos e. They also know that doing everything themselves will only lead to burn out.4. My work is a priority, so I cant make time for anything outside of it.A wealth of studies show that most of us appreciate a work-life balance. In fact, being able to juggle multiple priorities work, family, physical and mental health, a social life, etc. is what keeps msot of us feeling satisfied and fulfilled. Companies give time off for a reason, and thats to utilize it to focus on these other priorities. Its important that you make the time for other important aspects of your life because, if you dont, itll surely take a toll on your work anyway.5. If I dont help out with unrelated task, I wont be seen as a team player.Women are too often expected to be momagers or office moms who take care of everyone at the office, grab coffee, restock the kitchen, plan coworker get-togethers and help with non-related work tasks around the office. Theyre often worried that, if they dont lend a helping hand all th e time, theyll be seen as less likable or wont be considered a team player. In reality, what makes you a team player is doing your job. Because not doing it affects the rest of your team, too.6. I come into the office even while Im sick, because Im a trooper.We live in a society in which were told to power through, even when were severely under the weather. But coming into work while ill doesnt make you a trooper. Not only are you unable to perform optimally, which can ultimately hurt your performance (especially if you prolong your sickness because you didnt rest and take of yourself), but you may also risk infecting everyone else around you. Plaguing the office does no one any good.7. I never ask for help because doing so is considered weak.Asking for help can feel awkward. But theres no need to feel ashamed for needing a hand or clarification at times. In fact, many believe ones ability to ask for help to be a sign of strength. There are, of course, ways to go about asking for he lp that dont hurt yourprofessional image. But its imperative that you do so that you continue to grow.8. I always answer emails at night and on the weekends, so Im deemed reliable.Answering emails all day and night, seven days a week, doesnt make you reliable. It makes you glued to your technology and unreliable in other aspects of your life like to your friends and family who are also important. Getting adequate sleep at night and taking necessary breaks allows you to come to the office mentally prepared to be productive and work hard, which makes you an even more reliable colleague than if you were to burn yourself out.--AnnaMarie Houlis is a feminist, a freelance journalist and an adventure aficionado with an affinity for impulsive solo travel. She spends her days writing about womens empowerment from around the world. You can follow her work on her blog, HerReport.org, and follow her journeys on Instagram her_report,Twitterherreport and Facebook.