The 10 Most Irritating Things Coworkers Do

Coworkers, in general, are the number one thing employees like about their jobs. But that doesn’t mean that every employee gets along.

You never want to be the colleague that everyone thinks is annoying — even if they’ll never tell you to your face. If you’re the “annoying coworker,” your colleagues will likely think twice about lending you a hand unless they absolutely have to. But when coworkers love being around you, they’ll be quick to support you whenever they can.

Before you shrug off the notion that you may be an annoying coworker, ask yourself whether you’re guilty of doing any of the following:

1. Stealing your coworkers’ lunches

People don’t just stick food in the communal fridge for the fun of it. Just because you’re hungry doesn’t mean you can help yourself to the tastiest-looking thing your coworkers brought in. Stealing food is not only annoying, it’s inconsiderate.

2. Talking way too much about your personal life

It’s okay to talk to your coworkers, especially the ones you’d consider your friends, about what’s going on in your life. But that doesn’t mean you should talk to all of your coworkers about everything that’s going on in your life. Don’t overshare.

3. Doing the least amount of work, always

SOURCE: slothilda.com

Anyone who’s ever worked with a slacker knows exactly how annoying it is. For some reason, that person is never able to pitch in — even though everyone has similar workloads. If you’re consistently doing as little as possible, your coworkers have absolutely noticed and do not like it.

4. Leaving food in a communal fridge for months

If you stick food into the office refrigerator, it’s your responsibility to either eat it or throw it out before it becomes a disgusting, moldy mess. Be conscientious.

5. Eating chips at your desk with your mouth open

It’s one thing to eat at your desk. It’s quite another to chomp on a crunchy snack with your mouth wide open day in and day out.

6. Being the 37th person to hit reply all

According to the Radicati Group, the average professional sends and receives 122 emails per day. Don’t add to that number by replying all to an endless, mindless email chain about kittens.

7. Cultivating a filthy, filthy workspace

SOURCE: giphy.com

Don’t be the person who has 17 used coffee cups, four crumpled up tissues, and a zillion files strewn about your desk. There’s a simple fix: clean up your workspace at the end of each day.

8. Invading your coworkers’ privacy

You don’t like it when you catch your coworkers looking over your shoulder to see what you’re doing on your computer. Don’t be the person who develops a reputation for spying on their colleagues.

9. Constantly asking for help, even when you don’t need it

Are you the type of coworker who asks your coworkers questions like, “What time is it in France?” There’s an app for that, and it’s called Google. Don’t ask your coworkers questions you can answer yourself.

10. Slacking on personal hygiene

You might have been able to get away with not showering when you were in the second grade. You’re an adult now. Make yourself presentable, or draw the ire of your peers.

Are you guilty of any of those annoying habits? If so, the good news is that you are perfectly capable of changing your behavior. When you do, your coworkers will notice quickly. And chances are they’ll be more likely to lend you a hand next time you need it.

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