The relationship you have with your co-workers is one of the most important and complex you will ever have in your life. These people can be your confidants, mentors, or trusted allies to help you climb the corporate ladder.
But a bad coworker can scare you into going to work, even if you love your job. In fact, new research from Quality Logo Products found that more than 90% of Americans have a coworker who upsets them, and 57% have considered quitting or quitting because of an annoying coworker.
The company surveyed 1,902 US-based employees in February about the behaviors they found most annoying in their co-workers.
Working from home also doesn’t help with stress, as 55% of people said they still feel annoyed with co-workers several times a week in a remote work environment compared to an office environment.
Their top pet thieves for remote co-workers include slow responses to emails or instant messages, excessive background noise during calls, and booing on camera.
Here are the three most annoying co-workers habits by Quality Logo Products and how to deal with them:
1. Interrupt
Interruptions are one of the most common problems in virtual meetings because it can be difficult to tell when someone is about to unmute their microphone, finish speaking, or troubleshoot the internet.
“We all have to have some grace on tech issues when we’re called,” says career coach Letisha Bereola CNBC Make It. “Disruption is almost inevitable at this point, so try to dismiss it and don’t take it too personally.”
However, if you’re dealing with a chronic interrupter, career coach Susan Peppercorn recommends politely calling attention to the issue. For example, if someone interrupts you during a meeting, you might say, “Could you please let me finish? Then I’ll turn the floor over to you.”
You may find that others on your team are introverts or may also struggle with speaking up for themselves – in which case, Peppercorn says you should “attract the pride of others.” interrupt” because confronting them can be hostile or rude.
She suggests the following scenario: “I’ve noticed there are people on our team who aren’t very vocal – can you help raise some of those voices in our next meeting? So , if someone interrupts [insert name here]Can you help her get the floor back? ”
2. Acknowledge the work of others
Is there anything angrier than working hard on a project, only to have a coworker take it as their own? If it’s a first-time offense, say Bereola, let them know the benefit of the doubt, as it could be an honest mistake.
But if it happens again, find a light entry into the conversation and make it clear that you’ve brought up the idea/project/suggestion. These templates can help you take ownership of:
“Equal [co-worker] saying, my idea is [explain project] will guide to [impact]. “
“Thank you for bringing that up, [co-worker]I know I shared this with you [date you spoke about the idea]. ”
Peppercorn also recommends talking to your manager if it’s a project you’re passionate about or could affect your performance appraisals, and keep a track of your projects so you have your resources. whether evidence of his contributions.
3. Excessive sharing
Being open about your life and hobbies can help strengthen working relationships, but there’s a fine line between healthy banter and being too personal.
Politics, Covid-19, money, religion, and relationships ranked as the most uncomfortable topics to discuss with colleagues in the Quality Logo Products study.
Peppercorn warns that these issues are often emotional and quickly lead to arguments among colleagues, so it’s wise to be mindful of how often you bring it up with your co-workers and try to avoid unnecessary conversations. laugh in the office at all costs, Peppercorn warned.
If a non-work-related conversation starts to “go off course,” she adds, turn to asking your coworker about a project they’re working on or calling attention to something. something else in business news.
Or, just relax. “If you can leave the conversation by saying you need to make another call, or if it’s a group, shut up, then do it,” says Bereola. “You don’t owe someone a response, especially if you’re uncomfortable.”
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