Rude Coworker Behavior in the Workplace

Administrative professionals everywhere work with many different people and that means they cope with many different workplace personalities and habits by those people---some good and some not so good. Likewise those coworkers, colleagues and clients work and interact with administrative professionals everywhere--with those same diverse personalities and habits, some good and some not so good. Here is an article that touches on some of the not so good traits many of us are guilty of at least once now and then in the workplace. Or you might recognize a coworker in it.

You Might Be a Rude Coworker If …

by Dave Willmer, executive director of Office Team

Accepting and understanding various personality types in the workplace is an important career skill, but there are certain work habits that seem to annoy administrative professionals across the board. These rude office behaviors can range from aggravating (not responding to coworkers’ requests) to inappropriate (criticizing a coworker’s religious beliefs) to downright weird (performing a drum solo with pencils during a meeting).

Following is a list of some of the most irritating office behaviors. You likely know some colleagues who behave this way. But what about you? Could you be a rude coworker? You just might be if …

You insist on putting an ‘I’ in team. Being a glory hog and taking full credit for a group effort can alienate coworkers. Other surefire ways to irk colleagues include constantly pawning off undesirable assignments and failing to pitch in when your help is needed.

You ask overly personal questions. Quizzing coworkers about their romantic lives or their political or religious views and affiliations is not only rude – it might violate company policy.

You tie up office equipment. Taking ownership of the printer or fax machine for extended periods is inconsiderate and can affect others’ productivity. Also, always remember the cardinal rule of cubicle courtesy: If you use the last sheet of paper in the photocopier, refill the paper tray.

You snitch on your colleagues. Just like in grade school, nobody likes a tattletale. There’s no quicker way to become the office pariah than to develop a reputation for gossiping and tattling. Blowing the whistle on illegal or unethical activity is one thing; needlessly reporting someone for leaving five minutes early is another.

You are only nice to the higher-ups — sometimes too nice. Most managers see through shameless attempts to stroke their egos. Likewise, flaunting your authority or disrespecting subordinates will only breed contempt.

You disrupt meetings. There are countless ways to interrupt a meeting. Popular methods include pounding away on a laptop or Blackberry, fielding cell phone calls, initiating side conversations, leisurely sauntering in and out of the room or dozing off.

You make noise. Talking loudly in person or on the phone is distracting. The same goes for smacking gum, humming or singing along to your iTunes.

You are pessimistic. While everybody has some gripes and groans about their organization from time to time, chronic complainers can bring down everyone with their endless negativity. It’s best to remember what you learned as a kid: If you have nothing good to say, it’s better to say nothing at all.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dave Willmer is executive director of OfficeTeam, the nation’s leading staffing service specializing in the temporary placement of highly skilled administrative and office support professionals. OfficeTeam has more than 300 locations worldwide and offers online job search services at www.officeteam.com.