We spend 40 hours a week in the office. That’s 160 hours a month, and almost 2,000 hours a year! It’s safe to say that the office is our home away from home. With that in mind, it’s important to keep the work environment a happy one!
Launch Workplaces boasts a robust community of healthy collaboration. But as with every work environment, we have our share of coworker irritation. So in the spirit of keeping blood pressures low and productivity high, we’ve provided a list of the most annoying workplace behaviors for you to avoid (or perhaps reserve for April Fools’ Day).
1. The Kitchen Slob
No one is going to clean up after you at work, so make sure you always wash your dishes, toss your trash, and clean up your spills. Take a tornado through your home kitchen if you wish, but please keep your shared one tidy.
2. The Chatty Kathy
The office is not the place to schedule hair appointments, catch up with old friends, or call your significant other. It’s quite distracting and, not to mention, not what you get paid to do. You’re best saving these conversations for your lunch break.
3. The Stinky Leftover
Smells can quickly set off coworkers, so please be mindful before you microwave your leftover fish or burn your popcorn. There’s little more prohibitive to productivity than having to endure the smell of your coworker’s questionable lunch all afternoon.
4. The Kitchen Thief
It’s obvious when the food in the kitchen is communal, and equally obvious when it’s not. Please, don’t take food from the fridge unless it belongs to you. It’s a sure way to tick off your coworkers and garner a nasty reputation.
5. The Loud Talker
Sometimes we don’t realize how loud we are being on the phone because we are so focused on the person on the other end. If you know this is going to be an issue, use a private room where you won’t distract everyone around you. And of course, avoid using your speaker-phone at your desk.
6. The Loud Listener
Loud talking is one thing, but loud music is just unnecessary. Take note that not everyone enjoys the music you do, and that music can be distracting. Instead, invest in a nice pair of headphones—and rock out ‘til your ears bleed!
7. The Contagious
If you’re sick, stay home—plain and simple! Working in an office means you’re constantly in contact with other people, and if you’re coming to work sick then the chances that you are going to spread that sickness to everyone else is high!
8. The Printer Hog
You’re not the only one who has printing needs. Consider this before you print out 500 copies of a flyer. It’s rude and a waste of resources.
9. Excessive Chatting
Sometimes waiting for break to talk to your office best friend is challenging. If there is something you want to chat about with a coworker that is not office-related, try finding a private area, or head to the kitchen.
10. The Eavesdropper
Sharing an office space inevitably means you’re going to catch part of their conversations, but chiming in can be quite annoying. Unless the conversation directly involves you, or you have been asked to join, do not butt into someone else’s conversation. It is often perceived as rude and unprofessional.
Don’t see your office pet peeve here? Please share with us in the comments section.
