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Call it engagement, fulfillment, or happiness, but a workplace can have a huge impact on our well-being and sense of purpose.

However, there are plenty of potential detractors that can make even an enjoyable job a living hell, such as a lack of recognition, a messed up work-life balance, and, of course, toxic colleagues.

So, in an attempt to remind you just how important the people around us are, we at Bored Panda have put together a collection of annoying employees who do nothing but test everyone's patience.

#1

Coworker Left This In The Break Room Today, With His Name And Phone Number. Bold Move

Coworker Left This In The Break Room Today, With His Name And Phone Number. Bold Move

jamaicajosh Report

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C.O. Shea
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A superior once demanded I make coffee. But I don't drink coffee. Sure, I'll make it... is it six scoops of coffee? Nevermind, I'll do it myself. And that, ladies, is how you break the chauvinistic cycle.

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#2

That's An Insufferable Perspective

That's An Insufferable Perspective

alyssaleann Report

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Alexandra
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's funny, I sometimes have that feeling when talking to people with kids and I have one, so there you go.

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According to research by Quality Logo Products, around 90% of Americans have a coworker who annoys them, and 57% of people have even considered quitting because of them.

Psychologist Daniel Goleman, author of the bestselling book 'Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ,' says that handling these colleagues has less to do with how you treat them and more to do with how you prepare yourself.

The most important things, Goleman points out, are self-awareness and self-management.

#3

I Asked A Coworker To Count And Tally Up Some Apparel For Me. This Is What I Got

I Asked A Coworker To Count And Tally Up Some Apparel For Me. This Is What I Got

I’m still glad she did it, but you’re supposed to make each 5th tally a slash through the previous four, in order to easily count by groups of 5 when totaling.

I assumed that was common knowledge, but maybe it isn’t.

LorenzoTheGawd Report

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Floeckchen
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe she doesn't know. Maybe you can teach her like: "Thank you for counting the apparel. But let me show you a neat trick..."

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#4

Coworker Keeps Avoiding Paying Me Back After She Conveniently Forgot Her Wallet At Dinner

Coworker Keeps Avoiding Paying Me Back After She Conveniently Forgot Her Wallet At Dinner

A few weeks ago I decided to grab some dinner with a coworker. I rarely go out to eat as it's so expensive these days, but I finally decided to treat myself one night. My coworker ordered appetizers for herself, multiple drinks, a larger dinner and even dessert. When it came time to pay, we were each going to just pay for our food but she conveniently forgot her wallet and just sat there staring at me. I’m an awkward person and I really didn’t want to cover her food in the moment because it was more than I could even afford but it was such a weird situation and she promised to pay me back, so to just end the evening I covered her bill expecting to get reimbursed.

That was weeks ago and she keep posting on social media about going out to fancy restaurants or weekend trips but she always has an excuse when I ask to be paid back. I barely make a livable wage and being in the red because of her has caused me so much anxiety, I feel like such an idiot.

reveal_time_bfedit Report

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Lost Penny
Community Member
4 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whenever she posts about yet another fancy trip, leave a comment saying, "Where's the money, Lebowski??"

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"It's important to know what you're feeling and how it shapes your perceptions, your motivations, your actions, and whether it harms your performance or not," the psychologist says.

"This leads you to recognize what is going on."

By identifying what exactly triggers us, we can better anticipate them and regulate ourselves.

#5

Coworker Kept Using My Creamer. I Live On A Farm And He Knows It

Coworker Kept Using My Creamer. I Live On A Farm And He Knows It

My next step is to write breast milk.

wolphcry Report

#6

I Don't Get Irritated Easily By Double Parking, But One Of My Coworkers Does This Every Day In A Full Parking Lot

I Don't Get Irritated Easily By Double Parking, But One Of My Coworkers Does This Every Day In A Full Parking Lot

ChqMate Report

#7

I Have Been Writing A Fun Fact Every Week On An Unused Whiteboard At The Office. Someone Clearly Doesn't Like It

I Have Been Writing A Fun Fact Every Week On An Unused Whiteboard At The Office. Someone Clearly Doesn't Like It

RealSlugFart Report

If these things persist and take a considerable toll on us, Goleman suggests giving yourself a little pep talk before going into the office.

"Okay, I'm going to spend two hours with this person who I know triggers me. It’s just this person, it’s not me. And I don’t have to react," he gives an example.

You can also "prepare your physiology" with various practices, such as box breathing.

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"This actually shifts your physiology from sympathetic nervous system arousal, which is the stress and anxiety mode, to parasympathetic, which is the relax and recover mode," he says.

#8

Brought This Pie To An Office Potluck. My Coworker Sliced It Like This And Took From The Middle

Brought This Pie To An Office Potluck. My Coworker Sliced It Like This And Took From The Middle

Heggers_1 Report

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#9

Coworkers Keep Stealing My Work Breakfasts. Maybe This Flow Chart Will Solve The Issue

Coworkers Keep Stealing My Work Breakfasts. Maybe This Flow Chart Will Solve The Issue

dolo_ran6er Report

#10

The Way My Coworker Opens An Ice Bag. The Bag Literally Has A Drawstring

The Way My Coworker Opens An Ice Bag. The Bag Literally Has A Drawstring

shaynaa3 Report

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ohjojo (you/your's)
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a woman working beneath me, so I was supposed to be training her but it was a lost cause because every bag she opened was torn thru. It was crazy and always a mess to clean up after.

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By recognizing how our annoying coworker bothers us and preparing to deal with them, we can recover more quickly.

"You can't control what in life is going to trigger you," Goleman says. "But you can control how long you stay triggered and how long you are upset."

#11

Time To Find A New Job. Or At Least New Coworkers

Time To Find A New Job. Or At Least New Coworkers

LarrySwarez Report

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Sharkie
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would stay there sorting it. I would hate myself, someone will probably yell at me for it, but I can't help myself. I did it before. I have learned not to sort messes in shops, I don't work in a shop I should not do other people's jobs..., but this is too much.

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#12

My 2 Coworkers Left 45 Minutes Early On A Holiday Weekend, Leaving Me With All These Dishes

My 2 Coworkers Left 45 Minutes Early On A Holiday Weekend, Leaving Me With All These Dishes

I'm a head closer so I cannot leave until all of the work is done or I get in trouble. I'm going to be letting my boss know tomorrow when he asks why I was there an hour over my scheduled time.

Ima_nerd_and_proud Report

#13

My Coworker Loves To Strike Out The Previous Day At Midnight. Someone Beat Him To It Tonight

My Coworker Loves To Strike Out The Previous Day At Midnight. Someone Beat Him To It Tonight

Ak47110 Report

#14

How My Coworkers Leave The Vacuum Cord

How My Coworkers Leave The Vacuum Cord

spider_manectric Report

A new study by Kickresume found that these five types of coworkers are the most irritating:

  1. Credit Stealer (33%);
  2. Micromanager (32%);
  3. Chronic Complainer (30%);
  4. Personal Space Intruder (30);
  5. Lunch Thief (27%).
#15

Out Of Dishwasher Detergent. Coworker Decided To Use Dish Soap

Out Of Dishwasher Detergent. Coworker Decided To Use Dish Soap

Mortivoreeee Report

#16

The Surprise My Coworkers Left For Me

The Surprise My Coworkers Left For Me

Youneedus Report

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Learner Panda
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unplug it, walk over to another desk (preferably one of the idiots who did this) unplug their keyboard and substitute this one.

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#17

First Day Back In The Office. Bought A Dozen Krispy Kreme Donuts To Take Home To Family. Went For Lunch And Someone Took Them From My Desk

First Day Back In The Office. Bought A Dozen Krispy Kreme Donuts To Take Home To Family. Went For Lunch And Someone Took Them From My Desk

gachunt Report

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ॐBoyGanesh
Community Member
4 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was between undergrad & grad school (young) & working at my first office job I had a plate of cookies given to me on my desk on a decorative plate with colored plastic wrap around it and ribbon with a bow. It was clearly a holiday gift. It disappeared. That night, my roommates gave me all the shake from their weed & I leaned to make really potent “pot oil.” I made a new batch of cookies & wrapped them like the previous and brought them to work. They sat on my desk all day & disappeared the following. All three mailroom guys went home “sick” that day. The following day, a Friday, I walked a letter that needed to be mailed to their area. Without elaborating, I simply said “glad you’re feeling better. I hope the next time it doesn’t kill you” and laughed like it was a joke. The following Monday there was a bakery made box of cookies on my desk. No one went to HR, no one made a scene.

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The study also discovered that 62% of respondents face their annoying coworkers directly in the office, making it the top spot for these frustrations.

But it doesn’t end there. Bothersome colleagues appear no matter if you're working in-person or remotely.

Written communication, such as emails and Slack messages, is a significant source of annoyance for 44% of employees. Furthermore, annoying coworkers can also ruin phone calls (37%) and video calls (29%).

#19

Instant Red Flag

Instant Red Flag

Noellenarwhal Report

#20

This Is How A Coworker Parks Every Day

This Is How A Coworker Parks Every Day

I work at a national auto parts retailer. There’s only a handful of spots to start with then there’s this to deal with.

Plastic_Ad_1459 Report

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C.O. Shea
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I owned a trash car... I'd park it right up close to their driver's door.

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#21

Someone In The Office Ate My Snacks While I Was On Leave. They Even Left The Empty Packaging Inside My Drawer

Someone In The Office Ate My Snacks While I Was On Leave. They Even Left The Empty Packaging Inside My Drawer

kittysogood Report

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Alexandra
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm truly sorry, but I just don't get this. What makes you think you have a right to someone else's possessions just because you share a work space? What is it about desks and office spaces that turns people into thieves?

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#22

This Is My Office On Monday. It Will Remain Like This Until The Cleaning Staff Comes On Friday

This Is My Office On Monday. It Will Remain Like This Until The Cleaning Staff Comes On Friday

smartfold007 Report

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Little Wonder
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But.. the sponge and soap are RIGHT THERE. I didn't know offices hired entire teams of toddlers.

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When faced with behaviors you see in the pics, the biggest share of people — 32% to be precise — prefer to distance themselves from the culprit. I guess we really really are conflict-avoidant!

For more, check out our previous publications 50 People Share Just How Annoying Their Coworkers Really Are and 50 People Having A Miserable Day Thanks To Their Evil Coworkers.

#23

Told Coworker He Can Have Half Of My Reese’s. This Is How He Handed It Back

Told Coworker He Can Have Half Of My Reese’s. This Is How He Handed It Back

amicoolyet111 Report

#24

The Number Of Times My Coworker Said "Obviously" In The Month Of April

The Number Of Times My Coworker Said "Obviously" In The Month Of April

camly75 Report

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Rafael
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not the person who asked their co-worker to tally apparel. Obviously.

linda harbin
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I tallied how many times a co-worker said “basically”, same #. Drives me batty.

Mike F
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At the place I worked it was a woman saying "literally". It was maddening.

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Salty_Sasquatch
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I really really find it irritating when someone I call or talk to at a counter keeps saying 'excellent' or 'perfect'. Sigh.

Stephanie Did It
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm hearing 'perfect' from medical office staff, every time I answer a question. I have about 5 different care providers, so it's as if the Borg programmed them all.

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Wednesday
Community Member
22 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've been saying it a lot in the past few weeks... obviously...

mikedtw
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We used to play buzzword bingo in company-wide meetings when management would use ridiculous words to try to appear superior, like one of my favs: "granular" - are you listening, Joe? Then the four of us would fake a couching fit in unison in response.

mikedtw
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh, P.S. I worked for a company whose stated motto was: "Obsessed With Winning." We tried to gently point out the obvious but they were oblivious and chose to keep it.

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ROSESARERED
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My manager says it all the time. I'm giving him a thesaurus with a postit making the obviously page. He'll laugh...he knows its something to work on

Comfortably Numb
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is what my mind does when I hear the word 'literally' used incorrectly, as in they mean figuratively..."my head LITERALLY fell off". 🤨😵‍💫🤬🤯

Apachebathmat
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Try counting “like” I have a coworker who simply can’t speak without using it “I was like, no, you pay, I was like so mad, and like she said like no, I paid last time and like the time before, I don’t like her”

TBS
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would be giggling inside as I kept a mental tally. Then, when they left, I would gleefully go write the marks down.

Iampenny
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That could be me (except I apparently say "Actually" not "Obviously")

Michelle-Randy Carlson
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Please don't do this. It's passive aggressive. I had a co-worker who would keep track of how many times I was on the phone, regardless if it was personal or work, and it is deeply childish.

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#25

Someone Poured Milk In The Coffee Machine At My Office

Someone Poured Milk In The Coffee Machine At My Office

I don't even mind that someone made a coffee with milk, but what bothers me is that this person left a mess behind for someone else to clean up, and no one is admitting that they did it.

Slyvix Report

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Ace
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No way will you ever get the residue out of that Nespresso machine. Throw it away, it's useless now.

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#26

How My Coworker Opens A Box Of Gloves With A Perforated Top

How My Coworker Opens A Box Of Gloves With A Perforated Top

reddit.com Report

#27

Coworkers Used My Mug As A Pen Holder In My Absence

Coworkers Used My Mug As A Pen Holder In My Absence

Finally got cold, went looking for my mug and found it like this. This is as clean as I could get it.

Calligaster Report

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Traveling Lady Railfan
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pour some boiling water in, let it sit for a little bit. Dump the water. Put a little bit of dish soap and a few generous finger-fulls of baking soda on a soft cloth. Use some firm pressure and wipe out the sides and bottom of the mug. Should come right out.

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#28

The Way My Coworker Supported Stock On A Single Can Instead Of Breaking It All Down

The Way My Coworker Supported Stock On A Single Can Instead Of Breaking It All Down

what_it_dooo Report

#29

The Way My Coworker Labels Vials And Expects People To Be Able To Read Them

The Way My Coworker Labels Vials And Expects People To Be Able To Read Them

pizzunk Report

#30

My Coworker Has At Least 25 Years Of Experience Over Me In Office Work

My Coworker Has At Least 25 Years Of Experience Over Me In Office Work

HumanAft3rA11 Report

#31

Coworker "Fixed" A Hole In The Roof Of Our Truck. And Yes, All Those Tools Are Attached

Coworker "Fixed" A Hole In The Roof Of Our Truck. And Yes, All Those Tools Are Attached

4buckbox Report

#32

My Coworker Left His Tooth On The Desk. Again

My Coworker Left His Tooth On The Desk. Again

I work at a front desk, so have to share the same one and this is the 2nd time he's done it. He claims he takes it out when he eats.

PizzaGuyNYC Report

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Trillian
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"I don't know what happened to your tooth. Maybe the cleaning people threw it out?"

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#33

People Meet Outside My Office And Leave Chairs Blocking My Door. Left A Note Asking Them To Stop, Note Intact But Door Still Blocked

People Meet Outside My Office And Leave Chairs Blocking My Door. Left A Note Asking Them To Stop, Note Intact But Door Still Blocked

The note says: "It's no big deal to meet out here, but when you are done, please put the chair back and don't leave it blocking my door. Thank you!"

drhyphy Report

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#34

The Way My Coworker Discards Their Cigarette Butts

The Way My Coworker Discards Their Cigarette Butts

xXDoctor_PoopyXx Report

#35

I Keep A Pack Of Gum In My Cubicle At Work. Tried To Grab A Piece And Discover This. I Hate My Coworkers

I Keep A Pack Of Gum In My Cubicle At Work. Tried To Grab A Piece And Discover This. I Hate My Coworkers

maidafossetta Report

#36

A Coworker Ate Half My Sandwich And Had The Audacity To Leave The Other Half

A Coworker Ate Half My Sandwich And Had The Audacity To Leave The Other Half

SusTrucker Report

#37

My Coworker Doesn't Have A Badge, So I Have To Open The Door For Him Every Day

My Coworker Doesn't Have A Badge, So I Have To Open The Door For Him Every Day

SeriousShadz Report

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Huddo's sister
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is more on the workplace honestly. My swipe card for work only opens the one building I run my afterschool program in (the school hall) and the outside gates. I can't even get into the main office after a certain time in the afternoon. Makes it awkward sometimes. The school are very reluctant to give out another card, so when I occasionally get to have someone work with me, they also have to text me to get in (or go through the school office, which is more annoying).

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#38

Would Really Like To Thank My Generous Coworker For Leaving This For Me

Would Really Like To Thank My Generous Coworker For Leaving This For Me

TheNeverEndingEnding Report

#39

My Coworkers Dropped A Pallet And Left Me To Clean It Up

My Coworkers Dropped A Pallet And Left Me To Clean It Up

DriftSnow Report

#40

That May Be Worse Than Microwaving Fish

That May Be Worse Than Microwaving Fish

Cornjerker78 Report

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Bryn
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMG I had almost exactly same co-worker. The throat clearing wouldn't have been so bad if he did it while his mouth was closed. But he did it every 5 minutes. Drove me absolutely insane

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#41

Actually Remembered To Bring My Lunch To Work. Coworker Didn't Remember To Close The Pepper

Actually Remembered To Bring My Lunch To Work. Coworker Didn't Remember To Close The Pepper

writtennred Report

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#42

No One Puts The Dishes Away In The Communal Office Sink

No One Puts The Dishes Away In The Communal Office Sink

It looks like this every day. The dishwasher is directly next to this sink. Are my coworkers this lazy? Do they not realize there is not a maid here to clean up after them? Or just completely disrespectful?

SoothingWombat Report

#43

My Coworker Was Asked To Cut The Cake Today At Work

My Coworker Was Asked To Cut The Cake Today At Work

clintj1975 Report

#44

This Is Donut Anarchy: My Friend's Coworker Cut A Piece Out Of Every Donut In The Box

This Is Donut Anarchy: My Friend's Coworker Cut A Piece Out Of Every Donut In The Box

thatpaulallen Report

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Floeckchen
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A bit weird but at least they used a knife. And they propably wanted to have a taste of each different one. Also they didn't take away too much. All the parts barely combine up to a whole donut.

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#45

Job Was Supposed To Be Done Today. Coworker Brought And Installed The Wrong Door. Guess Who Has To Waste Two Hours To Fix It Tomorrow?

Job Was Supposed To Be Done Today. Coworker Brought And Installed The Wrong Door. Guess Who Has To Waste Two Hours To Fix It Tomorrow?

peppercupp Report

#46

The Way My Coworkers Ate This Cake

The Way My Coworkers Ate This Cake

SourdoughPizzaToast Report

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Ample Aardvark
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Next time bring individually packed cake, like they do for toddlers because your coworkers are clearly children

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#47

My Coworker Lacks Common Sense A Lot Of The Time. Got To Work To Find This Email And A Half-Finished Job

My Coworker Lacks Common Sense A Lot Of The Time. Got To Work To Find This Email And A Half-Finished Job

graypupon Report

#48

I Hate My Coworkers

I Hate My Coworkers

Rigamix Report

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Marianne
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This must be fake. 2 of those empty rolls will fall down as soon as you try to take some toilet paper. A person who leaves things as messy as that will not bother picking them up. So it must have been staged for the look.

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#49

Every Week, My Coworker Only Eats This Much Of Her Peanut Butter And Jelly Sandwich Before Throwing It In The Garbage

Every Week, My Coworker Only Eats This Much Of Her Peanut Butter And Jelly Sandwich Before Throwing It In The Garbage

Johny_Covelli Report

#50

Coworker Said We Couldn't Use The Warmer Because It Was "Already Being Used"

Coworker Said We Couldn't Use The Warmer Because It Was "Already Being Used"

Tobelerone1 Report

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