Want To Make A Good Impression In The Office? Don’t Make These Major Mistakes

We all try to put our best foot forward in the workplace but a few simple slips could be damaging your reputation, according to a new survey. The research found that 42 per cent of business people in Ireland state that a limp handshake would put them off doing business, whilst 45 per cent have said that it would put them off hiring a potential recruit. The YouGov survey, which was commissioned by London City Airport, looked at how we greet one another in business and the things that create a bad impression. It found that the biggest faux pas at a business meeting is bad manners, with 72 per cent of respondents reporting that it immediately creates a bad impression. Approximately 57 per cent of women stated that untidy clothing is a business no-no, whilst 52 per cent of men object to a business associate swearing. Interestingly, over-familiarity may have crept into business with 33 per cent of female respondents having been referred to as ‘love’ in a business meeting, whilst 27 per cent have been called ‘darling’, ‘honey’ or ‘pet’.  Men are more likely to be called ‘mate’ (29 per cent) or ‘buddy’ (26 per cent). If you’re one of those people who is always late, it might be time to break the habit as over six out of every ten people reported that arriving late to a meeting always gives off a bad impression. Unsurprisingly, mobile phones got a special mention with men and women in agreement (47 per cent) that checking one’s mobile phone is not the done thing during a business encounter. The more delicate issue of body odour was foremost on the minds of over 65 per cent of respondents, who reported that those giving off body odour were most certainly giving off a bad impression. Bad breath is also a big no-no, with 49 per cent of the population citing it as off-putting in business. The study also showed that it’s never a good idea to lob the gob on a business associate, with 85 per cent saying that a handshake is the preferable greeting in business, while just eight per cent of men and women said that they do greet male associates with a peck or two.