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5 work related issues you should never feel guilty about

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What is it about the work place environment that has even the most confident of humans quaking in their shoes? Guilt attacks us all at the most inopportune times, and for reasons that have nothing to do with you making a mistake.

Here are 5 things you should never (or stop) feel guilty about.

Taking time off from work

Because if you don’t, you’ll end up suffering from work burnout. I think we’ve become so enslaved to the culture of having to work all the time that wanting a day off feels like we’re committing a crime.

It’s important to take leave though because you need the time to yourself, time to spend with your family and time to do things that help with your personal growth.  

Telling your boss you’re sick

There are two types of people you find at work. Those who call in sick and those who make everyone else suffer because they’re potential death traps who can infect everyone with just one cough.

Okay, there’s one more type. Those that fake being sick. Which is why it might seem like that your boss might not believe you when you call in sick.  

But remember, your health is more important than your job, as you can’t do your job properly if you’re not feeling 100%.

Taking a proper lunch break

A colleague confessed to me that even taking a ten minute lunch break feels like she’s breaking some sort of rule, even though she has one of the best and understanding bosses on the floor.

It’s hard not to feel like you have to stay glued to your desk to get more work done, and often many of us end up having lunch at our desks. 

However, a change of scenery and stepping out of the office can do wonders – both in terms of getting more energy to continue being more productive and providing some respite from the hum-drum of the daily office grind. 

READ MORE: 8 tips to change your work life

Not working when you’re at home

How many of you are tempted to check your e-mail when you’re at home? Better yet, how many of you, after checking your e-mail decide that you need to respond to that e-mail immediately or else?

Unless you’re being paid overtime, and unless it’s part of your contract then there’s no reason to work after hours (Writing this sentence is hard, because it feels like I’m being a traitor. See what guilt does?).

We know that there might be extenuating circumstances that require attention, but if it happens more frequently than not, then ask yourself this: when will you have down time for yourself?

Also, according to Mywage.co.za, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act states that the normal working time allowed is 45 hours per week. That’s technically a 9 hours a day, although it does differ slightly from company to company, which is why you should check what your contract says.

Having an off day

It happens to the best of us. There are days when everything flows by super speedily, and your levels of productivity are flying through the roof. Other times, work is an effort and you can’t even get through that report that’s due.

There could be a million reasons that you’re not operating at your best (problems with a boyfriend, a close friend or you could simply be stressed about a family issue), but the point is that it’s human to have a day when you’re not feeling at your best.

If you find yourself feeling less than productive for more than a day or so, consider taking some time off. You’re better off spending a few days away from work than forcing yourself to go in to work and producing work that’s subpar at best.

Read more:

How to own screwing up at work (without getting you fired)

5 things you do at work that cost you that promotion

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