Don't Get to Work Early!

If you’re the most productive early in the day rather than later, you may find yourself frequently arriving at work before the official starting time. While arriving early to work can start the day off in a productive manner, it may actually also be harming your workplace relations. Here are a few reasons coworkers may not love your ‘go-getter’ attitude and what you can do about it.

Causing Coworker Guilt

Most people enjoy putting the minimum amount of effort into their jobs. As such, when coworkers begin noticing that you frequently arrive early to work, this can lead to those coworkers feeling guilty about not putting in more effort as well. This guilt can then quickly turn to resentment among those coworkers who feel you’re putting unfair pressure on them to increase workplace performance.

Being a Brownnoser

Often, those employees who arrive early at work every day are viewed as brownnosers. Even if you have a pressing project that requires additional hours at work for a temporary time, some coworkers may view this as your effort to advance in the company and steal any upcoming promotions.

How to Effectively Arrive Early

While there will always likely be coworkers who resent your added efforts at work, here are a few ways to minimize the potential complications:

•          Avoid broadcasting your hours – If you expect a pat on the back from coworkers for arriving early at work each day, think again. Coworkers will quickly become annoyed if you announce each day how early you got to the office. Rather than broadcasting your work hours, take personal satisfaction in your additional workplace effort rather than trying to receive recognition from coworkers.
•          Arrive early when necessary – If there is no reason to arrive early at work, sleep in. Going to work early simply to be known as the most dedicated worker won’t get you too far in the office if there’s nothing to do when you arrive.  Commuting to work early only when necessary will also be viewed as much more acceptable among coworkers.
•          Don’t steal coworker tasks – When you’ve finished your work duties after arriving early, resist the urge to complete coworker tasks as well. While you may think you’re doing coworkers a favor by completing their work tasks, the effort will likely only annoy coworkers and will be viewed as an infringement on their work duties.

Arriving early at work each day can keep work projects on schedule and can show your commitment to the company’s success. However, being the early riser at work can also harm your workplace relations if not carried out properly. By not looking for recognition with your early arrivals and by only working on your assigned tasks, you can do more each workday while also keeping your coworker relations in place.