The top five most annoying co-worker traits revealed
A report lists the reasons why some workers say they would rather have teeth pulled than socialise with colleagues after hours.
Indeed has released the results of a survey asking people what their co-workers' most annoying traits are. Photo: Unsplash
The top five most annoying behaviours in a co-worker have been revealed in an Indeed survey, with almost a third of workers saying they would sooner have a tooth extracted than socialise with a colleague outside work hours.
The most annoying behaviour according to respondents was poor hygiene, with 58 per cent of respondents finding it their top frustration.
Tying for second place at 49 per cent was gossiping and being messy, with talking over people following closely at 48 per cent. Invading personal space was the fifth most annoying behaviour at 42 per cent.
Nearly a third of people said they had resigned previously due to a co-workers’ conduct, with 55 per cent saying their co-workers’ annoying behaviours had caused them stress, and 40 per cent finding the workplace difficult due to the behaviours.
The most annoying personality traits a co-worker could have were laziness, manipulation, unreliability, rudeness, and lying.
On the flipside, respondents valued reliability, honesty, hard-work, the ability to be a team player, and good humour as the top personality traits.
Indeed career expert Sally McKibbin said these qualities formed “the foundation of a positive work environment”.
“Effective communication and mutual respect are essential in navigating the many nuances of working with colleagues,” she said.
Management behaviours came under fire as well, with the most annoying kinds of managers shown to be those who are hypocritical, micromanage, or have unreasonable expectations.
Nearly 70 per cent of people said they wished their colleagues were more aware of their annoying behaviours, with 63 per cent wishing their co-workers were more fun to work with, and 57 per cent wanting their colleagues to act more professionally.
“The fact that so many people would rather face the dentist’s chair than spend personal time with a colleague suggests that many want clear boundaries when it comes to work and play,” McKibbin said.
“When annoying behaviours become more than just pet peeves, they create major disruptions that can turn a dream job into a recurring nightmare, and in some cases, even prompt someone to resign.”
