Professionalism in the workplace, even if you are working remotely, should be practiced at all times. Be reminded that your location is the only changed aspect of your professional life. You are still expected by your co-workers to behave how an employee should.

Your efficiency at work is not limited to the output you provide for the organization. Your personality also exudes how effective you are as a virtual assistant, which includes how you communicate.

With communication as a pillar of your remote work, you should remember to practice avoiding phrases that are not appropriate in the workplace. To give you a few, here are the following:

“You look tired.” Everyone would be tired at some point in their work period. It may also dampen their mood if you even point it out. This could actually keep them from working efficiently since anxiety may sprout in them, particularly from worrying about how they appear among their co-workers. It could either imply that they may not be managing their work properly or they want to show that they are assigned a heap of activities unjustly.

If you prefer to comfort your colleague, it is best to actually invite them for a quick break or offer some help. It could show camaraderie, bringing harmony in the workplace.

“It’s not my fault.” This phrase may indicate that you are either not owning up to your mistake or you want to put the blame on others. To be professional is to resolve the issue at hand rather than finding out who erred. It may be a significant matter to identify the wrongdoer, but for everyone’s benefit, it is best to find a solution first.

If you are the one who made the error, you should admit it. In this way, you could prove that you are open to be reprimanded and corrected.

“That’s not part of my job.” It is simply right to correct your employer whenever you are being tasked to do other things that may go beyond the agreed set of responsibilities. However, if it is something that could improve your skills and open opportunities for you, avoid this phrase.

Be reminded that not all unrelated tasks to your current job are just added work. There are some superiors, who would like to prepare you for a bigger role in the future. Be observant and understand the intention of your employer.

On the other hand, if you feel treated unfairly, there are other ways to say you cannot carry out a certain activity in a respectful manner. Probably, you can give them an idea of your current tasks on hand and how your time would not be able to accommodate it any further.

“I can’t work with them.” Instead of rejecting a team setup from your employer immediately, consider finding a solution to make things work with your co-workers. This is regardless of you having a rift with them or you simply do not like them for certain reasons.

Be reminded that you cannot choose anyone you would work with in the professional world. You would not also learn to deal with different kinds of people unless you challenge yourself. You need it to hone your personal skills, which is as imperative as your technical ability.

“That’s not my problem.” This is a phrase that you should never say at work for it may imply you have no concern for your team members. Know that you are part of the organization. Hence, regardless of whether you are involved in the problem or not, helping out is the best way to go. This is either by simply giving a suggestion or lending a hand in anyway possible.

“That is a bad idea.” Instead of saying frankly that someone’s idea is bad, you should consider the feelings of your co-worker first. If you want to correct him or her, it is best to hear him or her out first. Afterward, state the pros and cons of the said thought. This could enlighten your colleague and lead to proper correction.

“I’m bored.” This could be a very insensitive phrase to use in the workplace. This is regardless of you experiencing it at a rare point in your career. Keep in mind that if you are lacking tasks to do does not mean the others are as comfortable as you are. This could actually make them feel treated in a wrongful way.

Moreover, being bored means you are no longer enthusiastic about your work. A job should be appreciated at all costs for you to perform well not only for your self-benefit, but for everyone in the organization. When you carry out tasks half-heartedly, it could affect everyone, who needs an efficient output from you.

A professional remote worker means that you also think twice before expressing yourself. It is crucial to understand that what you convey is also a reflection of your personality in the workplace. If you sound unconcerned, some may find you difficult to approach or work with. On the other hand, if every word you utter shows confidence and compassion for everyone, you could exhibit professionalism effectively.