Think you’re a good coworker? You might be surprised. We all have annoying workplace habits that can unintentionally get under our colleagues’ skin. From loud phone conversations to pungent lunches, those little quirks add up fast. Are you guilty of these office faux pas? Worse yet, could you be the coworker everyone secretly hates? Here are some of the most common irritating behaviors and – most importantly – teach you how to fix them and improve your workplace rep!
1. You could rival a fog horn with your voice volume.
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Open-plan offices + your booming voice = a recipe for coworker annoyance. Be mindful of your volume, especially when chatting or on calls. A simple headset can work wonders for everyone’s sanity, including your own! Plus, your office neighbors won’t be able to eavesdrop on your conversations anymore – win-win!
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2. The office microwave hates your leftovers.
We get it, last night’s fish curry sounded amazing, but today, the whole break room smells like it. Consider less pungent lunch options, or do everyone a favor and step outside for a bit while you eat. Your coworkers might even subtly thank you with a less nauseated smile the next day.
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3. You treat everyone like your personal therapist.
Work problems are real, but your coworkers aren’t obligated to be your sounding board. Venting non-stop creates negativity. If you need to process work stress, seek out a trusted friend outside the office, or consider professional support. Remember, sometimes a quick meme shared with a work buddy can offer just the right amount of lighthearted commiseration.
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4. Your desk could be an archeological site.
Mountains of paperwork, half-eaten snacks, and sticky notes with cryptic messages — it’s chaos. A little decluttering shows respect for shared spaces and might just help your own focus too! Plus, imagine the look on everyone’s faces when you magically find that missing report under the pile…they’ll think you’re a wizard!
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5. “Reply All” is your best friend.
Did someone send a company-wide “Happy Friday!” email? You MUST hit “reply all” with your own enthusiastic GIF. Use this button sparingly, or risk becoming the office spammer. If you absolutely must share that meme with the whole department, try discreetly passing your phone around instead – it’s old-school, but way less disruptive.
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6. You’re always running (very) late.
Meetings start without you, shared calendars are filled with apologies….it throws everyone off track. Respect people’s time by aiming to be on time (or even a few minutes early!). If an unexpected delay pops up, a quick heads-up text is much appreciated. Remember, everyone’s time is valuable, so make an effort to show up when you say you will.
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7. You’re a gossip magnet.
Did you hear about Sarah’s new haircut? OMG, and what’s going on with Mark and accounting? Spreading rumors or juicy tidbits makes your coworkers uneasy. Focus on your own work, and save the hot goss for your non-work besties. Wouldn’t you rather people trusted you to keep their secrets?
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8. Your hygiene habits could use some work.
We all have stressful days, but forgetting deodorant or rocking coffee breath is a quick way to alienate your desk mates. Maintain good hygiene habits out of respect for those around you. Keep a small toiletry bag in your desk for emergencies! Sometimes a quick freshen-up can make ALL the difference in how you and your coworkers feel.
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9. You love “constructive criticism” (of everyone else).
Nobody likes a know-it-all. Constantly pointing out others’ flaws, even under the guise of helpfulness, is grating. Offer feedback when truly asked, and focus on being positive and solution-oriented. Remember, building others up is usually more helpful than tearing them down.
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10. You’re the master of the humblebrag.
“Ugh, so tired after my 10k run this morning, and now THIS report!” Subtle (and not-so-subtle) boasts make you seem self-centered. Celebrate your wins, but do it without making others feel bad about their own choices. Share your accomplishments without undermining those of your colleagues!
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11. You leave a disaster zone in your wake.
Coffee rings on the table, crumbs EVERYWHERE, the printer’s always jammed. For some reason, it’s like a tornado hit your space. Clean up after yourself in communal areas. Leaving a mess implies you think someone else is your personal maid. Think about whether you’d enjoy coming into a workspace that looks like a disaster zone each morning.
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12. You love “borrowing” things from people’s desks.
Your coworker’s favorite pen? Now yours. That awesome stapler? Also yours. It might seem small, but it’s disrespectful. Always ask before “borrowing,” and promptly return things to their rightful owners. Imagine how irritating it would be to constantly have YOUR stuff go missing!
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13. You’re an expert at deflecting responsibility.
Something went wrong? Must’ve been someone else’s fault! Owning up to mistakes builds trust. Constantly playing the blame game makes you seem untrustworthy and unwilling to grow. Everyone makes mistakes – how you handle them reveals your character.
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14. Your ringtone choices are questionable.
Your phone blasting death metal during a client call? Awkward. Keep your ringtone professional or on silent. And while we’re at it, those 10-minute personal calls at your desk? Take those elsewhere. A little bit of consideration for your shared workspace goes a long way.
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15. You see work events as your personal party.
One too many at the holiday bash, flirting outrageously with coworkers… Yikes. Work functions are still work-related. Unwind and have fun, but don’t do anything you’ll regret on Monday morning. Remember, you want to foster professional respect, not become Monday morning’s water cooler gossip.
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16. You complain about everything.
The weather, the coffee, the new project — there’s ALWAYS something wrong. Negativity is contagious. Try intentionally focusing on the positive, even the small stuff. It makes you and everyone around you a lot more pleasant to be with. A positive attitude radiates outwards, and who knows, it might even become infectious!
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