Tech mistake |In the past, watches were a standard part of every professional’s wardrobe. Now that everyone can check the time on their phone, laptop, or other mobile devices, many people have stopped wearing a watch to work.
But if you give up on this timeless accessory, your career could end up suffering. Here are four reasons why wearing a watch at the office can help you be more successful at work.
1. Wearing a Watch Helps You Stay on Top of Your Schedule
This one may seem obvious, but something as simple as wearing a watch can help you significantly improve your time management skills and productivity.
Not convinced? Think about the alternative: most of us who don’t wear watches rely on our phones to check the time. But research shows that having your phone at your desk while you work can have a detrimental effect on your focus, even if it’s turned off.
If you put your phone away during work hours and use a watch to stay on top of your schedule, you’re less likely to spend time on games, texts, or notifications throughout the day. This means fewer distractions, better focus, and increased productivity—all of which will help you be more successful at work.
2. A Nice Watch Is a Great Conversation Starter
Networking with the right people in your company is one of the best ways to set yourself up for a promotion. But before you talk about pay raises and
progressions, it’s important to build a meaningful relationship with them.
If you’re struggling to come up with a topic for that first conversation, why not compliment them on their watch? Interesting watches make great conversation starters, especially if they have a story behind them. So next time you’re riding an elevator with the CEO, try building a connection over your shared fondness for quality timepieces.
3. Watches Help You Stay Polite
Using your phone during a meeting, lunch, or important conversation is a definite social taboo. But sometimes you need to make sure you leave the interaction early enough to make it to another scheduled event. Pulling out your phone just to check the time won’t hurt, right?
Wrong. Checking your phone during a face-to-face interaction at work comes off as both rude and unprofessional. In fact, a survey by Kessler International found that untimely and/or inappropriate cell phone use was their employees’ top etiquette breach.
By contrast, wearing a watch gives you a discreet way to check the time without interrupting the interaction. This way, you can maintain your professionalism while still making it to your next meeting on time.
4. A Watch Helps You Dress to Impress
First impressions matter in the professional world, and wearing the right watch can help you make a good one. Good watches show that you appreciate quality, style, and attention to detail.
It’s worth investing in a fairly expensive watch, but a golden Rolex isn’t right for everyone. Choose a watch that matches your professional wardrobe. If you dress mostly business casual, a simple watch with a leather band is a great choice—click here to get some ideas.
What Time Is It? Time to Get a Watch
Wearing a watch to work is a great way to improve your time management, show your commitment to quality, and maintain positive relationships. Now all that’s left is to choose the watch that’s perfect for you!
If you’re thinking about getting a smartwatch instead of a traditional one, check out our guide on the pros and cons of Apple watches before you buy.