Pesky Office Pet Peeves

January 11, 2012
Pesky Office Pet Peeves

Whether it’s a boss’s 24/7 emails, a coworker’s loud personal phone calls or an extra-needy client, pet peeves are common in the workplace.

So, what do you do when an officemate’s quirks make you crazy – or vice versa?

A recent LinkedIn survey found that top annoyances for Americans include coworkers taking others’ food from the fridge. Brazilians cite excessive gossiping, and Japanese workers complain of office pranks.

However, 78 percent of all surveyed professionals say “people not taking responsibility for their actions” is their biggest pet peeve.

“More often than not, the pet-peever has no clue they are driving people around the bend,” says Nicole Williams, connection director at LinkedIn.

When approaching the offender, Williams advises giving her the benefit of the doubt, “and understand they’re likely to feel a level of initial embarrassment.”

She adds that sending non-verbal cues “like putting your own dishes in the dishwasher, closing your door or putting on earphones when an officemate’s call volume escalates” are subtle yet effective.

If you’re the one approached about grinding someone’s gears, Williams suggests saying 'thank you’ and taking the constructive criticism to heart.

Having a “’well that’s your problem’ kind of defensiveness” that could negatively affect you during the next round of layoffs or promotions.

Check out last year’s list of top workplace pet peeves, like poor time management skills and water cooler gossip.

Bonus PINK Link: It’s easy to be annoyed by improper “netiquette” – test your office manners here.

By Caroline Cox

“To err on the side of kindness is seldom an error.” Liz Armbruster

*Supporting images from FreeDigitalPhotos.net, koratmember, Michal Marcol, and sixninepixels.

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