We all want to be liked at work, but sometimes our actions can rub colleagues the wrong way without us even realising it. Office life is a delicate balance of professional and personal interactions, and certain behaviours can quickly make you the least popular person in the room. These are 21 actions that can put off your coworkers.
Constantly Interrupting
Nobody likes to be cut off mid-sentence. According to Psychology Today, “most people feel disrespected when not allowed to finish what they’re saying.” Constant interruptions can make people feel disrespected and undervalued so when you constantly talk over others, it shows a lack of patience and a disregard for their opinions. Instead, practise active listening. Let others finish their thoughts before you jump in.
Hogging the Credit
Taking credit for someone else’s hard work is a surefire way to alienate your colleagues so it is important to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of your team members. When you hog the credit, it not only diminishes their efforts but also chips away at trust.
Being Chronically Late
Consistently showing up late to meetings or missing deadlines can frustrate your coworkers, because it gives the impression that you don’t value their time or the importance of punctuality. Being on time shows respect and reliability. If you struggle with punctuality, try setting reminders or adjusting your schedule to stop keeping others waiting.
Taking Long Breaks
Everyone needs a break, but consistently taking long or frequent breaks can be perceived as laziness because it disrupts workflow and can burden your colleagues who might have to pick up the slack. Be mindful of the time you spend away from your desk and make sure it aligns with company policies.
Gossiping
Engaging in office gossip can create a toxic work environment, and while it might seem harmless to share a juicy tidbit, it can quickly destroy morale. Gossiping often leads to misunderstandings and can damage reputations. Instead of participating in the rumour mill, focus on a culture of respect.
Not Pulling Your Weight
Every team relies on the collective effort of its members. If you’re not pulling your weight, your coworkers will notice and likely resent you for it. Whether it’s missing deadlines, avoiding difficult tasks, or not contributing to team projects, shirking responsibilities puts extra pressure on others.
Poor Email Etiquette
Flooding inboxes with unnecessary emails or using a rude tone can annoy your coworkers. Emails should be clear, concise, and polite—and avoid sending emails late at night or expecting immediate responses. Good email etiquette shows professionalism and respect for your colleagues’ time.
Being Negative
Constant negativity can be draining for everyone around you, such as complaining about tasks, coworkers, or the company, and it creates a gloomy atmosphere. Instead, try to maintain a positive attitude and focus on solutions rather than problems. Positivity is contagious, after all.
Ignoring Boundaries
Respecting personal and professional boundaries is crucial in any workplace and whether it’s barging into someone’s office without knocking or prying into their personal life, ignoring boundaries can make your coworkers uncomfortable. Be mindful of personal space and always ask before entering someone’s workspace or discussing personal matters.
Micromanaging
No one likes to feel like they’re being watched constantly. Micromanaging can stifle creativity and make your coworkers feel mistrusted. Trust your team to do their jobs and provide guidance when necessary. This approach will create a more autonomous and motivated work environment.
Being Disorganised
A messy workspace or poor organisational skills can affect your coworkers, especially if you share resources or collaborate on projects. Disorganisation can lead to missed deadlines, lost documents, and increased stress. Keep your workspace tidy and implement systems to manage your tasks efficiently.
Overstepping in Meetings
Dominating conversations or disregarding the agenda during meetings can frustrate your coworkers—meetings are meant to be collaborative and productive, after all. So it’s important to stay on topic and allow everyone a chance to speak; be concise and considerate when contributing to discussions.
Not Listening
Effective communication is a two-way street. If you’re not listening to your coworkers, it can lead to misunderstandings and frustration. Show that you’re engaged by maintaining eye contact, nodding, and providing feedback. This demonstrates respect and helps build stronger working relationships.
Being a Know-It-All
No one likes a know-it-all, so constantly correcting others or acting like you have all the answers can be irritating and demoralising, to say the least. It’s important to acknowledge that everyone has different strengths and perspectives, and you should be open to learning from your coworkers.
Overusing Office Resources
Whether it’s printing excessive documents, hogging the conference room, or monopolising shared supplies, overusing office resources can annoy your coworkers—you need to be considerate of communal resources and use them sparingly. This shows respect for the collective needs of the office.
Poor Hygiene
Personal hygiene is a sensitive topic, but it’s essential in a shared workspace. Poor hygiene can be distracting and unpleasant for your coworkers, so make sure to maintain good personal cleanliness and be mindful of strong scents, whether from food or personal products like cologne.
Being Unapproachable
If your coworkers find you intimidating or difficult to approach, it can hinder communication and collaboration. Being unapproachable often stems from negative body language or a lack of openness, so smile, make eye contact, and be willing to engage in conversations to create a more welcoming atmosphere.
Playing Favourites
Showing favouritism can create a divisive and unfair work environment, and it can lead to resentment and decreased morale among your team. Treat all your coworkers with the same level of respect and fairness, while acknowledging everyone’s contributions equally.
Not Admitting Mistakes
Everyone makes mistakes, but refusing to acknowledge them can frustrate your coworkers; owning up to your errors shows integrity and a willingness to improve. It also allows the team to address issues promptly and move forward—so admit when you’re wrong and work on finding solutions.
Being Inflexible
Inflexibility can be a significant roadblock in a dynamic work environment, such as being rigid with processes or unwilling to consider new ideas, which can stifle innovation and collaboration. Be open to change and willing to adapt, as flexibility shows that you’re committed to the team’s success and can work well under different circumstances.
Taking Personal Calls
One final office behaviour alienating your coworkers is taking frequent personal calls at your desk, which can be disruptive. It creates noise and can make it difficult for others to concentrate. If you need to take a call, step outside or find a private area; this shows respect for the shared workspace.
