Top 5 Annoying Co-Worker Habits

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! :)

 

Is Your Co-Worker A Thief?

"Imitation is at least 50 percent of the creative process."
 - Jamie Buckingham

Are you concerned about an idea thief at work? A co-worker who steals your ideas can be one of the most frustrating individuals to deal with. However, find out how you can put your best ideas forward without fear of the idea thief:

If you have a great idea and you are concerned about it being stolen, put it in writing and present it in front of others, preferably with management or key decision makers present.

Also, put the situation into perspective by remembering that imitation is the highest form of flattery, so keep up the good work. Don't let the fear of someone stealing your idea keep you from putting your best ideas forward, simply be strategic in how you do so.

Choose Your Crowd Carefully

"Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character." -The Bible [1 Cor. 15:33]

Did you know who you associate with closely at work can help or hinder your career?

Do you  hang with the groaners and moaners or those with a positive attitude and positive work habits? Remember, birds of a feather flock together, or at least that's the perception. Therefore, limit your association with those who have negative attitudes about work and negative work habits. Eventually, their negativity will manifest in your thoughts and work habits.

Their attitude about work will create and magnify workplace drama. They will make you think you hate your job, when in fact you may not find it bad at all. Also, others will begin to perceive you as a negative individual because of the company you keep. Such attitudes and habits can eventually sabotage your career.

For success in your career, seek out those who have a positive outlook and positive work habits. Learn from them and forge alliances which can position you for career advancement. When it comes to career success, choose your crowd carefully at work.

When The Music Sucks Turn The Dial

"Fire and swords are slow engines of destruction compared to the tongue of a gossip."  -Richard Steele

Not sure if that conversation is gossip or not? Here's how to tell:

Workplace gossip is always a hot topic. However, what I find interesting is how many people are unsure whether a conversation they are engaged in is considered malicious gossip or whether they should even engage in the gossip or not!

If you are approached with gossip and you are unsure whether it is malicious or not, a good gauge is what would the subject of the conversation think about it if they were standing there. For instance, are you talking about how much you admire their presentation skills or are you talking about how bad their presentation skills are? If the latter, then chances are you are engaged in malicious gossip. At this point, the power is in your hands. When the music sucks turn the dial. You can either end the conversation or shift the conversation to something more positive, even if you agree with what is being said.

For instance, if you are speaking with the gossiper, you can say something like, "I know that presentation was not the best, but what are some tips we can give ____ so that they can improve their presentation skills."  You can also go directly to the co-worker who is the subject of the conversation. Instead of talking about the co-worker behind their back, you can give them constructive feedback directly in a helpful tactful manner. Again, the power is in your hands. When the music sucks, turn the dial. 

You're Not The Boss of Me

"He isn't a real boss until he has trained subordinates to shoulder most of his responsibilities." - William Feather

Are you having a tough time dealing with a bossy co-worker? If so, find out how to deal with the wanna-be-boss:

If you are plagued by a bossy co-worker who tries to flex authority which has not yet been bestowed upon them, then simply confront them in a tactful manner. Let the wanna-be-boss know that your top priority is the work assigned to you by your real boss and if they need assistance or, if they are having trouble handling their own workload, then they should speak to the boss.

Also, make your boss aware of the situation. Often, this type of boundary crossing occurs when colleagues are unclear about their roles and responsibilities; which makes it the perfect situation for management to sort out.