Imagine spending 70% of your waking day working with someone whose personal habits can drive you to distraction, even when you’re sitting at your desk minding your own business. But what if the protagonist is actually you, what can you do about it? And, are you even aware that your actions are an irritant to others?
Here are the things that you need to be aware of and tips to wipe out those annoying bad habits.
1. “Hello. HELLO?”
Unless you are auditioning for a role in the next Dom Jolly series of Trigger Happy, then keep your voice down when you are talking on your mobile phone. Better still, avoid making personal calls at all during office hours. And, set the tone to vibrate – the sound of Crazy Frog going off in the office will be annoying to others. Furthermore, don’t be tempted to make calls when you are in the bathroom - your voice is 20% louder in a bathroom compared to outside and you never know who is sat in the next cubicle.
2. There’s always tomorrow
‘Procrastination is the thief of time’, is the phrase coined by the poet Edward Young. Putting off till tomorrow what you can do today will do little to boost your popularity with your colleagues. Continually missing deadlines not only lets others down who are depending on you but, it may mean that your colleagues have to step-in to bail you out to ensure that tasks are completed.
3. Abusing the internet
Are you one of the 94% of UK workers (Emap Inside Report) who use the internet for non-work purposes every day, accessing social networking sites and emailing friends? If your employer still hasn’t banned personal use, then its time to change your habits and limit your internet usage to non-working lunchtimes.
4. Playing computer games
And how often is the reason that you haven’t finished your work on time is because you have been playing solitaire when you should have been working? If the urge to keep playing is proving too great, simply uninstall them from your computer.
5. Playing music
Keep the iPod down. Workplaces that bank on the creativity of its employees will often allow their staff to listen to music on headphones. But if played too loud, it can have the same annoying effect as the tinny sound emanating from the headphones of someone sat next to you on the train. And, if you want to keep your iPod in one piece, then absolutely no head-bopping, no singing and definitely no banging of the imaginary drums.
6. “I meant to do it…but erm, I didn’t get round to doing it.”
Sound familiar? If you are constantly making excuses for the things you haven’t done, then you need to revise the ‘to-do’ list that stretches the length of Nelson’s Column. Break down your tasks down into realistic and achievable steps, and learn to prioritise the most important projects that need to be completed.
7. It’s all me, me, me
We all need a little ‘me-time’ but, there is nothing more frustrating than watching someone sat at their desk doing a crossword or filing their nails when others are buried under a mountain of work. You need to be flexible and willing to help your colleagues. Remember, what goes around comes around and you may need them to return the favour one day.
8. Neg-head
Constantly whinging or complaining will not only sap your personal resolve but, also that of your colleagues. And gossiping about fellow colleagues or your boss for a prolonged period of time will eventually alienate you from the rest of the office, hinder your chances of career progression and make others fail to appreciate the value of the work that you do.
9. Anyone for germs?
If you are infected with a cold, you will barely have the energy to wipe your running nose, let alone put in a good day’s work. But, why do you still go into work and pass on your germs to all and sundry? Offices are breeding grounds for bacteria and no matter how many doses of Beecham’s we ram into our bodies, it isn’t going to stop others from becoming infected.
10. Ahem…you smell
Poor personal hygiene or overpowering fragrances can negatively affect those around you, especially in confined work places. Avoid being talked about for the wrong reasons and be considerate of your colleagues: use a deodorant, shower/bathe regularly, brush your teeth at least twice a day, avoid eating eggs or onions in the office and, if you smoke, be sure to air yourself before you walk back into the office.
