Annoying work habits
As talk of tough economic times continues, patience for small annoyances is running low and tempers could flair. Sometimes itâs the simple habits and things that coworkers do that could test the patience of Job.{{more}} These habits can be so bad that they can change the mood of the office and even slow down work. Other habits are simply inconsiderate. Are you guilty of these annoying habits?
1. Eating other peopleâs food without permission. You probably brought your favorite lunch or the delicious leftovers from dinner only to discover that your lunch was missing when you went to the lunchroom. Eat only what you place in the office refrigerator.
2. Leaving the coffee pot or juice jug empty. If you drank the last cup or there are less than two cups remaining, take the time to refill the coffee pot or juice jug. Your coworkers will appreciate it.
3. Eating foods with strong odors at the desk. Food odors can be very distracting and long lasting, so take your food into the kitchen or out of the building. That smoked herring smell will hang around for days.
4. Chewing gum noise. Avoid chewing gum at work. It is inappropriate, noisy, rude, and ugly to look at.
5. Using the last item in the supply closet. Notify the appropriate person if you used the last item from the supply closet. Reduce stress for the next person caused by the lack of small items like fax toner, ink cartridges, writing pads, and other supplies.
6. Permanent borrowing. You reach for the stapler and itâs not there. Then you remembered someone borrowed it but never returned it. Borrowing means you are allowed temporary use of an item. Return the item promptly or obtain your own.
7. Buffet manners. Buffets can be great but not if the person ahead of you
is picking and touching the food. If you touch an item it is yours. Look but do not pick through the items to make a selection.
8. Germ warfare. Some people insist on sharing their germs cold and flu. If you have a cold, wash your hands often and cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze. Clean your hand before you offer it in a handshake.
9. Hand washing in the bathroom. Restaurants especially post signs in the bathrooms asking employees to wash hands before returning to work. Do you?