4 of the Worst Workplace Misbehaviors & Solutions

 

Tools for the Workplace

When interviewing those working in a shared environment—dubbed a cubicle prison—most long for coworkers to follow one golden rule: Thou shall not disturb the peace.  The disruption of peace comes in various disguises, but we all recognize those irritating ripples in our calm.  What follows are our most irritating offenses and ‘cubicle rules of peace.’

Doing Everything Loudly

It seems like there’s at least one cubicle resident who loudly shares all his experiences like:

• Blowing his nose
• Clicking a pen
• Talking on the phone, etc.  

Golden Rule: Thou shall own your noises; be quiet and respectful. 

Sharing an Illness

It’s understandable that some would want to save their sick leave to pad their retirement—if allowed—or for an unexpected emergency.  But that was then and now we have a deadly virus which just may be the first of many. 

Golden Rule: Thou shall stay at home and keep your germs and viruses to oneself. 

Poor Lunchroom Behavior

This is a non-ending list of “Damn!  I cannot believe she did it again!  Arg!”

• Refusing to clean up after him/herself. 
• Filling the communal fridge with oversized containers.
• Warming stinky food and burning popcorn.
• Stealing other's food.

Golden Rule: Thou shall be thankful for shared spaces and treat each as special.  There is no ‘law’ stating a business provides a lunchroom or refrigerator.  Thus, be respectful: clean up after oneself; refrigerate only what requires chilling; do not bring fish, popping corn, or other smelly food; and never, ever, EVER take what is not yours.

Not Respecting Privacy or Property

Imagine working toward a deadline and ‘that’ person slips into your cubicle AGAIN.  The offender’s crimes:

• Touching items on other's desks
• Taking items without permission
• Reading other's computer screens or papers laying on desks without permission
• Entering other's cubicles without permission

Golden Rule: Thou shall show respect for property and others by realizing what is and what is not yours. 

Root Causes of Coworkers Poor Behavior

Often, the issue is the offender has no idea his/her behavior is distracting and/or maddening.   

Many forget they are sharing space with others and they become too comfortable leading to unmannerly behavior. 

The worst display an air of entitlement as if everything around them is theirs.

What Should We Do to Avoid Being What We Dislike?

• All of us should try to remember that everything we do affects others. 
• Use your perceptive skills to watch how others react to your behavior and then modify it. 
• Be quiet and be nice.  

How do we Stop or Prevent Poor Behavior?

First, read the employee handbook or seek guidance on what is appropriate behavior, rules, and how to report thefts. 

For minor, irritating scenarios, inform the offender in private or tell a story.  Mention how a similar behavior is driving a mythical friend crazy during an informal setting with the offender in attendance. 

If the person becomes defensive or angry, leave it and discuss the issue with a manager.  That said, it is best to avoid mentioning names.  Just mention that there is a problem and that it may be best to address it. 

Do (s) and Don't (s)

• Talk directly, privately, and politely to the noisy workmate. 
• Pursue office policy about workmates coming to work sick. 
• Pursue office policy about cleanliness and theft in the breakroom.
• If witness to a theft in the break room, discuss it with management not mentioning the offender's name. 
• Monitor your behavior; do not make others do it for you.
• If you are the boss, create a policy for sick employees and breakroom behavior. 
• Do not steal others' food!
• Clean up after yourself!

More by Rebecca

Decoding Office Etiquette & Proper Behavior

How to Deal with Frustrating Breakroom Behavior

How to Deal With Irritating, Loud, Sick and Clueless Coworkers