Unfortunately, you spend far too many hours with your coworkers not to get annoyed by some of the things they do.
While you try to be considerate most of the time, some habits and behaviours can really test your patience. Having worked in various offices, I’ve seen (and, honestly, sometimes been guilty of) these common irritants that we could all do without. They actually make you long for the days of working from home in a way, don’t they?
1. Leaving the microwave looking like a crime scene
There’s nothing worse than going to heat your lunch only to find splatters of someone else’s tomato soup decorating the microwave walls. It takes 30 seconds to wipe down after use, yet some people treat the break room like their first flat. Keep some paper towels handy and clean up after yourself – future you will appreciate not being “that person.”
2. The reply-all epidemic
We’ve all been there – 47 emails deep in a chain of “thanks!” and “noted!” responses that could have been private messages. Unless everyone genuinely needs to see your response, save the collective inbox and use direct replies. Your colleagues’ sanity will thank you for not turning their afternoon into an email-clearing marathon.
3. Having loud personal conversations at your desk
Look, we all need to make personal calls sometimes, but your coworkers don’t need a front-row seat to your dentist appointments or relationship drama. Step away to a private area or break room for these conversations. Your cube neighbours shouldn’t have to wear noise-canceling headphones just to focus on their work.
4. The chronic meeting scheduler who ignores lunch hours
Scheduling meetings during the sacred lunch hour (12-1) should be considered a workplace faux pas. Everyone needs time to eat and decompress. Unless it’s truly urgent, keep the middle of the day meeting-free. People do their best work when they’re not hangry.
5. Perfume and cologne overload
Your signature scent shouldn’t announce your arrival five minutes before you reach your desk. Many people are sensitive to strong fragrances, and an enclosed office space isn’t the place to test the limits. A light application is all you need – remember, you’re going to work, not a nightclub.
6. The keyboard warrior who types like they’re angry at every key
Some people attack their keyboards with the force of a thousand suns. In an open office, that aggressive typing can be incredibly distracting. Consider a keyboard with quieter switches or work on developing a lighter touch. Your coworkers and your wrists will benefit.
7. Bringing pungent lunches without consideration
Fish curry might be delicious, but reheating it in the office microwave creates an aroma that lingers for hours. Save the strongly scented meals for home and opt for more office-friendly options. If you must have that particular dish, consider eating in the break room or outside.
8. The chronic interrupter who can’t read social cues
When someone has headphones on and is clearly focused on their screen, that’s not an invitation for a chat about your weekend. Respect the universal signs of “please don’t interrupt me” and save your conversation for a more appropriate time.
9. Leaving the printer toner on empty for the next person
Running out of toner mid-print and walking away is the office equivalent of leaving an empty milk carton in the fridge. If you see it’s low, take the initiative to replace it or at least alert the appropriate person. It’s about maintaining the workflow for everyone.
10. The meeting hijacker who goes off on tangents
We all have that one coworker who turns every 15-minute check-in into an hour-long discussion about unrelated topics. Stick to the agenda and save the side conversations for another time. Everyone has deadlines to meet and other meetings to attend.
11. Leaving dishes in the sink for days
The office kitchen isn’t magically serviced by cleaning fairies. Letting your coffee mug collection grow mould in the sink creates a health hazard and shows disrespect for shared spaces. Wash your dishes after use or take them home – it’s basic adulting.
12. The chronic complainer who never offers solutions
Constantly pointing out problems without suggesting improvements drags down team morale. If something isn’t working, propose a solution or alternative approach. Constructive criticism is valuable; endless complaining is just exhausting.
13. Taking credit for team efforts
Nothing destroys trust faster than someone claiming sole ownership of a group project. Acknowledge your teammates’ contributions and share the spotlight. Success is sweeter when everyone who contributed gets recognised.
14. The temperature control warrior
Secretly adjusting the thermostat without consulting anyone else creates an endless cycle of people being too hot or too cold. Instead of waging a silent temperature war, have an open discussion about finding a comfortable middle ground. Keep a jumper or fan at your desk for personal comfort.
15. Booking meeting rooms and not showing up
Source: Pexels Reserving conference rooms and then not using them (or cancelling the reservation) is the corporate equivalent of saving pool chairs with towels. If your plans change, free up the space for people who might need it. It’s a simple courtesy that makes a big difference.
16. The chronic late arriver to virtual meetings
Just because the meeting is online doesn’t mean punctuality doesn’t matter. Joining five minutes late with a noisy entrance disrupts everyone’s focus. Log in a minute early, test your audio, and be ready to contribute when the meeting starts. Remote work requires the same professionalism as in-person interactions.
