20 Things Not To Do in the Office – According to HR Experts (and People Who’ve Been Dragged on WhatsApp, Intercom & Staff Meetings Before)
From staff rooms to boardrooms, Nigerian office culture comes with its own unique set of rules. Here are 20 office behaviors you must avoid—according to HR experts and real-life workers who’ve been called out on WhatsApp and in morning devotion.
INTRODUCTION: Naija Offices Are Not For The Weak
Let’s be honest—working in Nigeria is a full-time job on its own, before you even do the actual work. From dodging passive-aggressive coworkers to navigating “oga at the top” energy, office life here comes with its own brand of drama.
And the worst part? Most of the wahala people cause at work could’ve been avoided if they just had small home training and HR sense.
So before you go and become the next topic of discussion in your office WhatsApp group or during Monday morning devotion, read this first.
1. Don’t Come to Work and Start Preaching Loudly
Look, we’re all children of God (or whatever higher power you believe in), but when your morning devotion sounds like a revival crusade, people will complain. (NB. Even if you do make sure the HR approves of it and make it as brief as possible)
HR Wahala: Mixing religion and work loudly can make others uncomfortable. Most workplaces encourage respect, not disruption.
✨Better Move: Whisper your prayers, or just use your earphones if you must play audio Bible. No one came to fight spiritual battles before 8am.
2. Don’t Use Office Wi-Fi to Stream Big Brother or Bet9ja
Ah, office Wi-Fi is not your personal Netflix subscription.
Why HR frowns: You're slowing down the network for others and wasting company resources. Some people even dey watch EPL matches during work hours!
😒 One HR manager said: “We traced the bandwidth issues to someone streaming ‘Jenifa’s Diary’ every lunchtime.”
3. Don’t Carry Gossip From Department to Department
Ah, Aunty Aproko and Uncle Amebo, this one is for you.
Why it’s dangerous: Office gossip leads to cliques, toxic energy, and serious HR petitions. One person even lost their job after twisting a harmless gist into HR scandal.
🚨 Hot Tip: If you didn’t hear it from HR or management, mind your business and drink water.
4. Don’t Always Disappear From Your Desk Without Notice
Some people will vanish for hours—no email, no WhatsApp update, nothing. Later they’ll say, “I went to buy suya.”
HR’s Take: That’s irresponsible. Even if you’re stepping out for a few minutes, communicate! Use the office group chat or drop a quick note.
🧾 Especially in schools or hospitals, sudden disappearance can trigger panic or even get you queried.
5. Don’t Be the Office Beggar
Why it’s embarrassing: Constant borrowing breaks professional boundaries. People will start avoiding you—even HR.
💸 Be wise: If you’re facing financial stress, talk to HR professionally. Many companies offer assistance or payment plans.
6. Don’t Cook Egusi or Warm Beans in the Office Microwave
We shouldn’t have to say this, but here we are.
Why HR steps in: Strong food smells trigger nausea, allergies, or just pure disgust. Imagine someone trying to eat gala while your ogbono soup is stinking up the place.
😷 Office kitchen ≠ buka joint. Please be guided.
7. Don’t Use Office WhatsApp Groups for Midnight Rants
The group chat is for work updates—not relationship quotes, gossip videos or “Good Morning Beloved” spam.
Why it causes wahala: People will mute you. Management will call you aside. Next thing—you’re removed from the group silently.
🔕 Stick to the brief. If it’s not about deadlines, meetings, or project updates, send it elsewhere.
8. Don’t Treat the Cleaner Like They’re Beneath You
Some people dey do like small god in the office—talking to janitors, interns or security like trash.
Why HR hates it: Disrespecting junior staff = instant red flag. In some companies, cleaners are trained to report mistreatment directly to HR.
🧹 No matter your position, treat everyone with respect. Even the receptionist knows who signs your visitor log.
9. Don’t Assume “Remote” Means “Disappear Completely”
We know internet in Nigeria can misbehave, but don’t use it as an excuse to be offline all day.
Why it’s a problem: HR is watching remote workers closely now. If you’re not available or visible, expect a warning or worse—termination.
✅ Stay active on work platforms. Even if you’re in Benin and the office is in Abuja, communicate!
10. Don’t Argue with Your Boss Publicly
You might be right—but if you embarrass your supervisor in front of staff, you've entered trouble you can’t pray your way out of.
Why HR records this: Disrespecting authority publicly shows lack of decorum. And in Naija, egos dey very fragile.
🎤 If you must challenge oga, do it privately—and respectfully.
11. Don’t Come Late Every Day and Blame ‘Hold-Up’
We all know Lagos traffic is mad. But if you're always late, maybe you should leave earlier—or find better excuses.
Why HR no dey hear story: Chronic lateness = unserious worker. After a few warnings, HR will just write memo.
⏰ If you resume by 8, leave house by 6. Or talk to HR for hybrid options.
12. Don’t Flirt with Married Colleagues or Clients
Even if they’re “giving you signal,” don’t fall for it. That kind of drama will turn you into a trending topic at HR’s next meeting.
Why this is risky: It can lead to sexual harassment claims or even blacklisting in your industry.
💔 Emotional maturity means knowing how to maintain boundaries.
13. Don’t Use Office Printer to Do Your Side Hustle Flyers
Whether you're selling Ankara, wigs, or recharge cards, the office printer is not your business centre.
HR’s Take: That’s misuse of company property. Some people even printed wedding souvenirs at work!
🖨️ Keep your side hustle on your own time and your own resources.
14. Don’t Sleep at Your Desk
If you're working at a hospital, school, or law firm and you’re caught sleeping with mouth open—you've embarrassed your village people.
Why HR gets worried: It shows lack of professionalism, or worse, you may be battling burnout or personal issues you haven’t disclosed.
💤 Talk to HR about fatigue. Or take 10 mins break quietly—not full-blown snoring.
15. Don’t Dress Like You’re Going for Owambé
Yes, we love drip. But there’s a difference between smart casual and club-ready.
Why HR will call you: Dressing too sexy or too flashy may violate dress code and distract colleagues.
👗 Keep your lace and sequins for Saturday weddings. Office is not Lekki lounge.
16. Don’t Lie About Your Whereabouts (GPS Will Expose You)
If you told HR you're working from home, don’t let someone tag you at a bar on IG at 12 noon.
Why it’s a big deal: That’s dishonesty—and companies are cracking down on it.
🎯 Just be real. If you need time off, ask. Don’t form ghost worker.
17. Don’t Always Volunteer Last for Tasks
We see you. Every time there’s group work or extra duty, you go mute like NEPA light.
Why HR observes: Lack of initiative = no promotion. Even your teammates will drag you in feedback reports.
🙋🏽 Step up once in a while. That’s how leaders are made.
18. Don’t Treat Office Chairs Like Bedroom Loungers
Some people lean back till the chair cracks. Others sit like they’re watching Netflix.
Why it’s risky: You could hurt yourself—or destroy office furniture, which costs money to replace.
🪑 Pro tip: Sit like a grown adult. This isn’t your house.
19. Don’t Air Family Problems Loudly During Work Hours
“Hello mummy, yes! I said tell Chioma to bring the garri down from the shelf!”
HR says: Take your calls in private. Loud phone convos disturb others and make you seem unserious.
📞 Step outside. Use earphones. Maintain peace.
20. Don’t Assume HR Is Your Enemy
If HR calls you, it doesn’t always mean you’re in trouble. But if you’re always defensive, they’ll start to wonder what you’re hiding.
Why mindset matters: HR is here to support—not attack. But once you become that problematic staff, even HR will keep notes.
🤝 Try collaboration, not confrontation.
FINAL WORD: No Be Juju, Na Just Bad Behavior
Most people don’t get into office drama because of juju or village people. Na bad character. Simple.
Work is hard already in Naija—fuel prices, no light, no data. Let’s not add unnecessary tension. Follow small etiquette, get sense, and respect yourself. That’s the real key to office peace.
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