By Bernz JP
By spending hours and hours a day with your coworkers, you start to become a family. And with family comes drama. You have your best friends, your acquaintances, and unfortunately, there’s bound to be a few people you just can’t stand.
If you’re starting a new job, or can’t seem to pinpoint why you’re not clicking with the group, take a look at these 10 things you may be doing (or want to avoid) that drive your coworkers crazy.
Nobody wants to be the annoying person in a group, and luckily, there’s an easy fix. Take a second to evaluate your traits, make sure you’re not doing any of the following, and you’re in the clear.
1. Being a constant distraction
Lunchtime chatter is normal. Taking multiple personal calls, listening to music without headphones, and hanging out at someone’s desk all day – is not. Even if no one has asked you to stop, there’s a good chance that they wish you would.
The rules are simple: Don’t listen to music or videos without headphones. Keep the non-essential conversations to a minimum.
If you’re getting up to talk to someone every five minutes, don’t. Most people would rather put up with the distraction than cause a stir, but it’s likely they are annoyed by it and have talked about the distraction behind your back.
2. Holding unnecessary or lengthy meetings
Holding meetings may be out of your control, but the duration and frequency of them can almost always be cut down. If you have a question that is specific to only your position, wait to ask it at a later time. Come prepared, have essential questions ready to be asked, and take notes to avoid confusion or additional meetings down the road.
If you are in a position where you can call the meetings, do so sparingly. Nothing is worse than not being able to complete your assignments because of constant meeting interruptions.
3. Uncleanliness
When you’re spending 8+ hours a day in the office, you begin to notice everyone’s habits.
An occasional scratch of the nose may go unnoticed, but don’t think you can get away with poor hygiene time and time again.
It should go without saying – regular showers are a must. If you’re frequently out and about in the 100-degree Arizona heat, it wouldn’t be such a bad idea to keep some extra deodorant or wet wipes in the car. Wash your hands after going to the bathroom, regardless of the reason you were in there.
Basic hygiene goes a long way when you want to avoid being the gross or annoying person.
4. Gossip
Gossip is unavoidable, but there is a line where is day-to-day chatter turns into hurtful gossip. If you find yourself in a situation where rumors are being started, politely change the conversation, stick up for the person, or excuse yourself as a last resort. Even if you didn’t start the rumor, being in the same room as the person who did can get you in trouble.
No one likes feeling like their job is a repeat of grade school. Keep the juvenile habits and hurtful words out of your mouth, and if you can, your coworkers too. Don’t be that annoying person that’s known for spreading gossip.
5. Sucking up to the boss
Everyone knows the type. The guy or girl who will do or say anything to get on the bosses good side. It’s embarrassing for everyone, so if this is you, stop. Likeability isn’t a crime, but agreeing with everything your boss says comes off as not genuine and spineless. Besides, most bosses notice this and don’t exactly find it flattering.
Hard work and results will put you where you need to be, not playing the teacher’s pet.
6. Frequent tardiness
It’s nice to know that everyone is pulling his or her weight. When you’re constantly late, take long lunches, and leave early, your coworkers notice. While they are at their desks ready to go at 8 or 9, and you’re rolling in even 5-10 minutes late on a frequent basis, it gets on one’s nerves.
Your boss might not say anything (yet), but if you’re up for review, it is something that your coworkers might mention.
Play by the rules and arrive on time, it’s a good habit to develop anyway.
7. Combativeness
Being an overly combative and annoying person is frustrating for everyone around you. Of course, you should speak up for what’s right, but fighting over the coffee shop to go to, the time of the meeting, or other smaller matters aren’t always worth it.
Learning to let the little things go not only helps you relieve stress but helps those around you as well. If you’re always arguing against the team, when you actually have a reasonable point, it may be looked over due to frustration from previous arguments. It’s difficult for stubborn people, but try and let the little things go.
8. Food issues
Lunchtime can be a brief moment of relaxation for many. Don’t intrude on the office vibe by cooking abnormally stinky food or leaving dirty dishes in the sink. You’re entitled to eat whatever you want, just be mindful of the smells it may give off.
It’s okay to eat a tuna salad, but wash your dishes promptly, and try to avoid microwaving smelly foods, as the heat can make the smell spread quickly. If you suspect your meal may disturb the smells of others, opt for eating outside if you can.
9. Poor email etiquette
Internet and emails are no longer a new and mysterious landscape. Stop replying all when your response is directed at one person.
Don’t use your email to send unrelated chain mail, regardless of how funny you may think it is. Keep emails professional, overusing of “J” and slang can become annoying.
Always remember, emails are written proof that cannot be erased, treat them as such and don’t send anything you wouldn’t say to someone’s face. That’s more than being an annoying person; it can really hurt someone’s feelings.
10. Don’t take yourself too seriously
This may sound contradictory to the previous advice, but remember that it’s okay to laugh at yourself every once in a while. Unless you’re performing brain surgery, most mistakes are not the end of the world.
Take a second to actually enjoy what you’re doing; you spend most of your life in an office, so make the days count!
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This post was previously published on Moneylogue.com.
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The post 10 Annoying Things You Are Doing That Drive Your Coworkers Crazy appeared first on The Good Men Project.