Co-workers, love them or hate them, you don't get to choose them.
Unfortunately, this makes for some unpleasant situations in the
workplace, especially when you have inconsiderate co-workers. Those
co-workers with habits which disrupt your day and make it just a bit
more miserable. Compiled below is a list of the top 5 annoying co-worker
habits. If your habit is on the list, take heed, it's time to make some
changes.
1. Germ Spreading
The coughing, the hacking, the dirty tissues everywhere! You may think
it shows dedication to come to work with mucous dripping from every
orifice, sneezing and barking like a small animal, but the truth is, you
look like someone who could care less about your co-workers and doesn't
know how to care for yourself. In short - you look like a liability. A
study by Staples Advantage
reveals that 65 percent of employees show up at work when they are
contagiously sick and employers are concerned about decreased
productivity due to sick employees. Making everyone else in the office
sick does not make your employer or your co-workers happy. Instead, do
everyone a favor and stay home. Use your sick time, PTO, or even a
vacation day to take care of yourself and get some rest. Return to work
when the germs have left your body and you can be a productive member of
the team.
2. Playing Loud Music
Some people like to have a little mood music at work, I get it.
However, the music which mellows your mood can be distracting to your
co-workers, especially when you blast it at full volume and start to
sing along. Instead, be considerate and play your music at a moderate
or low level that only you can hear. Also, consider investing in
headphones and keep the volume on those at a moderate level as well.
Given that a report by Canadian researchers shows workplace noise is linked to heart disease, you may want to turn off the volume entirely.
3. Tardy For The Party
Although a CareerBuilder survey
shows the recession may have improved punctuality in the workplace, you
still have some employees who make it a habit of being tardy for the
party. Co-workers who make it a habit of arriving late to work can be
one of the most annoying to tolerate. Your lateness can infringe on the
productivity of others, especially if they have to pick up the slack
until you arrive. Cut the excuses for why you are late - no one cares.
Instead, plan your affairs beginning the night before to insure you
arrive earlier than your scheduled start time. In this way, you have to
time to deal with any unexpected mishaps and still arrive on time. For
instance, if you know there will be traffic - leave a half hour or an
hour earlier. Expect the best, but plan for the worst.
4. The Secret Borrower
Well, let's just call them what they are, the stealers. It is
annoying to return to your desk from a bathroom break or from lunch and
find your stapler or favorite pen missing. Then you walk around the
office to find it sitting on a co-worker's desk; the same co-worker who
took your scissors last week. When you take something without asking, it
is called stealing, especially when you don't put it back. Instead,
when you borrow and the person is away from their desk, leave a note so
they know you have it. Also, don't "borrow" anything from anyone if you
have a habit of "forgetting" to put it back.
5. Text Talk
Hey, I love the quick and easy language of a text, especially when
I'm in a rush. However, there is a time and place for everything. Don't
litter your office emails with texting jargon - IMO, @TEOTD, AEAP, OTOH,
EML. Given that the ability to effectively communicate is one of the
most important skills for workplace and career success, it is important
to demonstrate you are not functionally illiterate. If you want to be
viewed as a professional with strong communication skills, all of your
communications in the workplace should reflect a professional demeanor.
And for goodness sake don't ever talk text in a live conversation!
There's nothing worse than conversing with an adult who suddently blurts
out - AYK, OMG, LOL! :)
