By Adrienne Erin
Contributor, Online Career Tips
Working in a confined space with the same people every day can get harrowing, to say the least. It’s like living with a roommate. Things go great for a while until you notice habits and quirks that you don’t like about the other person – that’s when the fighting begins. Many of us who are unhappy in a work environment are quick to point the finger. Unbeknownst to you, your colleagues probably hate your bad habits just as much as you hate theirs.
In fact, you may actually be the reason you’re having such an edgy time at work. Have you ever stopped to think what you may be doing to distract your fellow peers? Instead of shifting the blame elsewhere, why not take a moment to look at some bad habits that you may or may not be struggling with?
Are you guilty of these habits that are secretly driving your colleagues crazy?
You Make Too Much Noise
It’s unreasonable to expect total silence in a work environment. That being said, it’s not unreasonable to expect your co-workers to be privy to how much noise they are making. The most egregious sounds are usually repetitive. Do you pop your gum often? Do you chew ice or munch on chips loudly? Do you sing to yourself? Do you clear your throat too much? Do you always listen to your voicemails on speaker? One or two of these activities on occasion is not bad, but when you do them continuously you may be disrupting your colleagues.
You Are a Total Slob
Does it look like your cubicle, desk or work area was hit by a mini tornado? Do you have leftovers stuffed in a corner or dirty dishes smelling up the area? Have you neglected the most basic steps in personal hygiene, including taking a shower? All of these problems go hand in hand in creating a terrible work environment for others. It takes a second to clean up after yourself, so make sure you are doing it.
You Are Too Touchy Feely
It doesn’t matter how close you feel to your co-workers, you should never touch them. Poking, hugging, tickling or even grabbing is unacceptable in the workplace – period. Furthermore, just because your colleagues act friendly doesn’t mean they are necessarily your friends. While that may seem harsh, it’s still the truth, and nothing is more aggravating then someone you don’t like touching you inappropriately. You should adopt a “hands off” rule at all times while at work.
You Share Too Much Personal Information
No one cares about your weekend boat trip. So what if your cousin has a lake management job? Sure, some people might find it interesting to hear how a company like that takes cares of its lakes, but that’s not the point. It’s okay to share in casual conversation every now and then, but you don’t need to divulge personal details at every whim. In fact, if you tell your co-workers too much about yourself that could lead to even bigger problems later on in the future. Stick to casual and polite conversations. Politics, romance or a crazy night on the town are not very good conversation pieces.
Invading Personal Space and “Borrowing” Much Too Often
It’s not your colleague’s fault that you are unprepared on a regular basis. Stay out of their designated work area, because that is their personal space. If you tend to borrow items like staplers, hole-punchers and more on a regular basis – stop doing it. Take some extra time, or spend a little extra money if you have to in order to get your own supplies in order.
Stop Being Lazy
Believe it or not, this is one of the most common offenses. Most people who are lazy are either bored of their job or they don’t enjoy it, so they skim by doing the bare minimum. It may work out great for you if you’re one of those people, but someone somewhere has to pick up your slack. To believe that the person working harder isn’t aware of it is remarkably naive. They know who is being lazy, and they are acutely aware of how much harder they are working. By doing such a thing you’re cheating your co-workers, your company and even yourself. No one likes a cheater.
You Never Use Manners
It’s not difficult, nor does it hurt to say “thank you” when someone does something nice. In addition, if you want something done, use the term “please” instead of outright demanding it be so. Manners and common courtesy are extremely important, especially when you’re working with a close knit group.
Proper etiquette also means following the golden rule – treat others exactly as you want to be treated. If you have a problem with a colleague, take them aside and discuss the issue in private instead of blasting them in front of the entire office. A little respect goes a long way, and not having any could definitely hold you back from that promotion you’re looking forward to.
Come to think of it, any one of the habits we discussed could be holding you back.
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