10 Ways to Annoy Your Coworkers

You spend a lot of time at work, so it’s important to get along with your coworkers and avoid hostility as much as possible. If you want to get along with your coworkers, avoid these 10 bad habits, so you don’t annoy them:

Talk Loudly on the Phone

You probably think that your personal phone conversations are the most interesting things in the world, but your coworkers would probably disagree. They don’t want to listen to your personal conversations at top volume. If you take a personal phone call or two, keep the volume down so your coworkers aren’t forced to be part of the conversation.

Take Credit for Others’ Work

Teamwork is an important part of creating a happy workplace. If you receive praise for a job well done, but didn’t do all the work yourself, make sure to share the credit. It will show your coworkers that you value their help and input, so they’ll continue to help you when you need it.

Come to Work Sick

If you come to work sick, you’re not just putting your coworkers at risk for becoming sick; you’re putting their families at risk, too. You won’t be productive when you’re sick, and if you get the rest of the office sick, the company may not be productive for days. When you’re sick, just stay home.

Overshare

Your coworkers don’t want to know every detail of your life, especially the most uncomfortable parts. Learn what’s appropriate to share with your coworkers and stop there.

Bring Up Politics

Politics can be a sensitive topic. You never know what someone’s political affiliation is, so talking about politics can cause problems. To keep from offending your coworkers, just keep politics out of the office.

Gossip

Gossip will spread anyway, but don’t add to it. Gossip can easily spread incorrect information that could ruin a coworker’s personal or professional life and reputation. If you hear gossip, try to change the subject.

Not Offering to Help Your Coworkers

If you know a coworker is struggling with their workload, offer to help, if you can. When you need help, that coworker will be more willing to help you.

Eat Smelly Foods

If you’re eating at your desk or heating up food in the breakroom, try to avoid foods that smell too much. Your coworkers might not be able to concentrate on their work, if they have to smell your burnt popcorn all day.

Not Taking Responsibility for Your Mistakes

If you’ve made a mistake, make sure to own up to it, especially if your boss blames someone else. Nothing will create hostility faster than making a coworker take the fall for your mistake.

Have a Problem with a Coworker? Go to Your Boss First

If you have a problem with a coworker, discuss it with them first. It might be a simple misunderstanding that can be worked out quickly without involving anyone else. If the problem continues, then you can go to your boss, but make sure that your coworker is involved in the conversation, too.