By Nikki Phipps
As if work isn’t stressful enough, try completing all of your tasks while coping with an annoying coworker and life in the office can quickly become unbearable. No one wants to be known as the workplace pest, so what steps should you take in order to avoid this?
First and foremost, when it comes to pagers or cell phones show some respect and either turn them off or set them to vibrate, especially during meetings or business lunches. No one really cares to hear about all of your personal problems either so keep these to a minimum as well. If you must take a call, move to another location or talk softly to avoid disrupting others. Also, if you see that someone is on the phone, don’t stand there listening to the conversation. Simply leave and check back later at a more convenient time.
If you work in a small area and enjoy listening to music, think about those around you and use some headphones. Also be considerate of others with regards to those annoying little habits that we all have been known to possess now and then such as constant humming (I hate this), putting on makeup (not appropriate in the workplace), pencil/pen or fingernail tapping (extremely annoying), or the use of profanity (definitely unprofessional). Likewise, practice some manners once in awhile. You’d be surprised at how many people actually forget this. For instance, how about covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
Watch what you eat as well. No one really cares much for those offensively strong odors from the lunch you just had. Likewise, if you’re a coffee drinker (of which I’m guilty), be considerate when talking with others. Ever heard of coffee breath? Not too many people find this appealing. Keep some fresh, mint gum on hand. This is also true of smokers. Not only does the smoke stay on your breath but it gets in your clothes as well.
Try to maintain a neat work area too. No one likes a slob. And if you are in the kitchen or break room, be kind and clean up after you have finished your meal. If you have finished off the coffee or see that it is empty, why not be respectful and put on another pot. This takes all of five minutes or less to accomplish. The same respect should be given for office equipment as well. Reload paper in the printer, copier, or fax machine. Others will greatly appreciate it and return the favor.
Finally, don’t practice nosy behaviors such as looking at your coworker’s computer screen or work. Do not share any confidential information and be wary of workplace gossip. Treat all coworkers with respect and avoid any negative remarks. In the end, you will be rewarded for it. Remember the golden rule, “Treat others as you want to be treated.”