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7 Reasons Your Coworkers Hate You

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Anyone who’s had a job knows what it’s like to deal with an annoying coworker. You know the type -- there’s your cubicle neighbor who loves to listen to his music at concert-level volume, and just two offices away is your coworker who constantly abuses the “reply all” option on emails.

But when was the last time you stopped to wonder if you’re the annoying coworker? Sure, no one wants to be “that person,” but growing tired of your coworkers is practically a promise when you’re stuck in close quarters with them for 40 hours a week or more.

Office dwellers, take note: If you do the following things, your coworkers may end up hating you:

1. You’ve passed off work more times than you can count.

It’s not considered delegation if you’re making a habit out of passing off work to your team members. In fact, your coworkers may find this trait hard to ignore. While passing off work may come in the time of sickness or general necessity, be sure to return the favor as soon as possible. To make sure you’re always pulling your weight, always lend a hand to coworkers in need -- they’ll be sure to remember.

2. You’re always tweaking things to perfection.

If you’re the person who constantly refuses to see eye-to-eye with your team on whether or not a product is finished, expect disgruntled coworkers. Remember, perfection is subjective, and you’re likely wasting time and money trying to reach your own standard for it.

Why not try to set a new standard for personal perfection? Make 80 percent the new 100 percent. Stop chasing perfection and begin focusing on getting projects and tasks to the point where they’re good enough.

3. You shout commands.

There’s a big difference between delegating tasks and ordering others around. Establish more pleasant and effective interactions by asking your coworkers for their input on given situations or projects. This allows them to come up with their own solution, rather than having yours forced on them.

4. You’re avoidant.

Are you the type of employee who wouldn’t be caught dead at a company cocktail hour or any other company-related event? You may be in trouble. In a survey by Jobsite, 70 percent of respondents said having friends at work is the most crucial element to a happy working life. While being friends with your coworkers isn’t necessary, putting effort into strengthening working relationships will make for a better work environment in the long run.

5. You lack professionalism.

The idea of what’s casual and what’s not varies from workplace to workplace, but there are a few behaviors that should be deemed unacceptable across the board. For instance, gossiping, sharing too much personal information, being late, and not using your manners, just to name a few.

Not only will these unprofessional habits turn your coworkers against you, they could also cost you your job. Adapt to the casual nature of your work environment, but never drop your level of professionalism completely.

6. You rain on the parade.

Your negativity may be getting in the way of your coworkers’ happiness. Positivity and optimism aren’t realistic every day, but consistently exuding negativity will bring your colleagues down. Put a cap on your judgemental and critical nature, and focus on sandwiching your criticism by giving a compliment before and after criticism.

7. You regularly waste time at meetings.

Meetings are the No. 1 productivity killer. Don’t be the person who is constantly straying from the presentation, asking unnecessary questions, rambling, or circling back on points. This doesn’t just waste your coworkers’ time, it also wastes your own. If you’re required to speak at meetings, keep it concise and relevant.

Greater productivity at work is achieved through a cohesive team of employees. Annoyances are bound to happen, but it’s best to stay in tune with your own habits to prevent agitating others.

What’s the most annoying coworker habit you’ve experienced?

Image Design by Grant Stephen Shepley; Open Me