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If you’re a fan of The Office, Superstore, Parks and Recreation, or any of the other countless sitcoms set in a work environment, you probably know that you’re not alone in having some colleagues that you can’t stand. We can laugh at these fictional employees' pain when they're infuriated by a coworker because we know the feeling all too well. In fact, according to a Comparably survey, it is so common to work with someone that drives you crazy that one in three workers admitted to considering leaving their jobs altogether due to their disdain for a colleague.
So what are the worst workplace habits, and how can we be sure to avoid picking them up ourselves? Well, lucky for us, Reddit users have recently been spilling all of the workplace behaviors they refuse to tolerate in a thread on r/AskWomen. Below, we’ve gathered many of their passionate responses, so be sure to upvote all of the answers calling out behavior that would send you immediately running to HR as well.
Keep reading to also find an interview with Wilson Calil, founder of Totempool, to hear his thoughts on the topic. Then, if you’re interested in checking out another Bored Panda article discussing some of the most toxic behaviors taking place in work environments, you can find that right here. (And if you need to passive aggressively send this article to your colleagues after reading it, don’t worry. We won’t judge you!)
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Idk if this counts but I hate the social pressure to go to office parties/happy hours/whatever. I came to work not spend money and socialize.
To gain some insight on this topic from an expert, we reached out to Wilson Calil, founder of Totempool. First, we wanted to know if Wilson had ever experienced any particularly frustrating coworkers. "When it comes to infuriating workplace behaviors, few are as infuriating and unprofessional as when a colleague appropriates others' work," he told Bored Panda.
"A person taking credit for another's work without permission or acknowledgment can damage that individual's career in the company," he explained. "Not only does it hurt their ability to be seen as valuable contributors, but it also diminishes the value of their hard-earned accomplishments."
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#2
I'm in healthcare, and I cannot tolerate people who treat patients like an inconvenience. I know some of them (and their families) can be a PITA, but if you can't handle some of that every now and again, it's time to change careers.
Synsepalum 1 year ago
Thank you for saying this. I have been hospitalized three times in the last two years, and in the first two cases (in the ICU, mind you) the people "caring" for me were so mean. I know it's a very hard job, but I also did not want to be there, and I was there through no fault of my own (not that it should matter). We are in a very vulnerable position, please be nice, even, especially, when it's hard.
"[Appropriating a colleague's work] is typical in corporations where professionals want to get promotions or go for higher end-of-year bonuses," Wilson noted. "In general, it comes from a project that, the major part of it, was accomplished by someone other than the person claiming credit for it. Sometimes, it can be the boss; other times can be a peer."
"For any organization to succeed in its endeavors, all employees must respect each other's contributions, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem."
#3
Managers not communicating clearly and then getting angry that you didn't do exactly what they wanted when they didn't tell you what they wanted in the first place.
StrangeOne 1 year ago
And when they change their minds and expect you to have figured that out before they tell you. Like, geez, calm tf down.
We also asked Wilson how this kind of inappropriate behavior can affect morale in a work environment. "When a colleague appropriates from others' work, it can cause resentment, distrust, and decreased productivity," he told Bored Panda. "Colleagues may feel their hard work is unrecognized or their employer isn't doing enough to protect them from plagiarism. In addition, other colleagues, aware of what is happening, may also become reluctant to contribute new ideas for fear someone else will try to take credit for them."
"This type of behavior can lead to feelings of frustration and disrespect, as well as an erosion of morale and trust in the workplace. Injustice becomes apparent, and people start disliking working for the company," Wilson shared. "In most cases, the meritocracy is disbelieved, and the whole team's performance is affected. It also creates an environment where sharing information becomes risky, and communication and collaboration start to reduce."
#4
Bullies. We have a group of grown a*s mean girls at my work and I can't f*****g stand them. Full grown, 30+ year old highschool bullies.
SarDemMin 1 year ago (edited)
I was bullied throughout my school years at an all girls convent school. And I was also bullied by 6-7 women at my workplace to the point that I had to file a complaint with HR. And the whole team got called to an anti-harassment/bullying at workplace meeting. All women >30 or older
When it comes to addressing issues of stealing credit for other's work, Wilson says the best solution is to implement clear policies about proper attribution and recognizing each team member's unique contributions. "Employers should ensure that everyone understands these policies and that they are consistently enforced. Companies should also recognize employees who demonstrate assertive, ethical behavior and reward any creative contributions with fair compensation or recognition."
#5
I would love to get away from the idea that the only justifiable reasons to set a boundary are either that 1) you’re deathly ill or 2) you already owe your time to somebody else (a kid, a parent, etc).
It’s okay if I don’t want to work every weekend because I value my social life and my rest. The commitments I make to myself still count.
And when an employee notices behavior that is bothering them, Wilson says it's best for them to address it immediately and in a professional manner. "To start, it is important for the employee to take a step back and assess the situation objectively. It may be beneficial to discuss the issue with another colleague or supervisor if appropriate, as this can help clarify what is going on and provide additional context," he told Bored Panda.
"When addressing an issue with a colleague directly, it is crucial for employees to stay calm and collected in order to avoid escalating the situation further," Wilson says. "The goal here is for both parties involved to come up with solutions together instead of pointing fingers or assigning blame. It is also important for employees who are experiencing frustration due to their colleagues' behaviors not to jump into conclusions too hastily, but rather listen attentively before responding or taking action, so they can fully comprehend what took place."
"Some companies have an 'open-door' policy where you can go and talk with the supervisor," Wilson told Bored Panda. "Other companies want employees to go straight to the Human Resource department to discuss the issue and get it solved. I recommend talking to the person directly and showing the points you disliked, asking for a team solution for the problem, and attributing the credit to the right people."
#7
Martyrdom. "I worked until 8pm last night unpaid". (Teacher here). What staff like this are doing is the reason teachers are underpaid and overstretched
We were also curious what Wilson wants all employees to know about being a great colleague. "First, be sure to treat everyone with respect and courtesy," he noted. "Listen attentively during meetings and conversations, demonstrate empathy when colleagues are struggling with something, and avoid gossip or hurtful comments at all costs. Additionally, remember to give credit where credit is due! Acknowledging the achievements of others will motivate them to do even better in the future."
"Finally, look for signs of burnout among teammates or coworkers who may take on too much responsibility," Wilson added. "Offer support if needed by offering assistance in whatever capacity possible."
#8
Glorifying being overworked as if it’s an accomplishment. Working 76 hours when you’re scheduled for 40 is not an accomplishment. You’re being overworked and abused by management and because people tolerate it and glorify it - they then think it can pass for each employee they have. It does for a while but then you end up understaffed because a lot of people cannot keep up with the demand.
Also, sexual harassment and comments in the workplace.
While working as a server a cook specified to another like cook about how easily all of our servers could be raped. I was 23 but most of my server gals were 16-18. I reported him to management and was told to mind my business.
Kioh81 1 year ago
This is in restaurant culture and is rampant. I got the front of house manager and the proprieter in trouble for being super sleazy and sexually harassing the female staff especially hostesses. Instead of being fired, they were reprimanded and just relocated to another store. I'm glad we didn't have to deal with them anymore but they didn't learn anything and now are probably preying on an entirely new set of staff.
Finally, Wilson says, "Employees should strive to maintain a collaborative atmosphere in the workplace by demonstrating positive behaviors such as fostering collaborative problem-solving, proactively engaging with colleagues, and providing constructive feedback. [They] should be mindful of their communication style, seeking to remain respectful and courteous when dealing with each other. It is also crucial for employees to understand the importance of maintaining a sense of professionalism while ensuring that any potential conflicts are addressed through appropriate channels."
If you'd like to learn more career and marketing advice, be sure to visit Wilson's company Totempool right here.
#9
The idea that everyone is on call all the time for all things. Yes, emergencies do happen and certain people are responsible for that - Head of Security and there was a security breach? Yes call them at 2am on their vacation. Head of Legal and the CEO just got served, yes call them when they're home sick. However, Manager can't find a file they wanted to peruse to "get ahead of things"? Yeah, don't call your secretary at her daughter's graduation.
#10
Saying mean/gossipy things about coworkers when they’re not around, then being nice to them when they are.
StrangeOne 1 year ago
I caught one lady at work 2 times doing this with me and another new girl. The switch in attitude she did when she saw I was right there was the most creepiest thing I've experienced on a job.
#11
My manager often has a poor attitude in the mornings and it's super demoralizing for me.
Also, I wish more managers would push gratitude and say "thanks for your work today" or express more positive feedback than just criticism.
StrangeOne 1 year ago
That's a big complaint at my work. I can hear managers praising one department but never mine.
#12
Slack messages that say just “Hi” and wait for me to respond before telling me what they need.
It’s asynchronous communication, people. Just say what you need to say.
Walter Brameld 1 year ago (edited)
I paste this canned reply: "I acknowledge that you wish to send me a message, and I await your message. Please send me the message that you clearly wish to send. I give you my permission to send me the actual message. You do not have to ask my permission to send me messages again, now or in the future."
#13
Taking credit for other's work, or blaming their poor work on others. Like we can see the tags on the file and know it was you who did it or not.
Matthew Fox 1 year ago (edited)
Going along with this is people who talk $#!+ about other people because they think making someone else look bad somehow makes them look good.
#14
someone who thinks they're a manager when they're not. for example the chode who was just hired after me who tried to shake me down about my break schedule. go f**k yourself please and thank you
#15
Micromanaging.
StrangeOne 1 year ago
I hate this. It's always followed with "We want you to think for yourselves what has to be done. No, you can't decide what you want to do. We will make the decision. Do this. Do that. Can't do this. Can't do that. NO NO NO! That's not how I told you."
#16
Weaponized Incompetence. If I don't know how to do something I just google it. So when someone tries to feign ignorance on a standard task they should be able to do, it really pisses me off. Especially since they are usually trying to get me to do their task. Stop trying to p**n off tasks to others & just do your job. I'll 100% show you how to do the task, but the second someone goes "but you can do it so much faster!!!" my blood boils... like you could learn and do it just as fast as me...but you're a lazy piece of s**t trying to get me to do your job. I have now started to create tutorials and just send them that as a response. Works well so far and they can't complain...like what are you going to say? "She won't do these simple tasks for me anymore like she used to!!" Just do your job and stop bothering others to do it for you.
#17
Microwaving fish in a communal kitchen. Only monsters do it.
#18
The people where if you make a mistake, they won’t tell you to your face but via email so that they can CC a higher up or the rest of the team.
Sonja 1 year ago
I will use email to point out a mistake. But I'll only CC another person if absolutely neccessary. And yes, sometimes it is neccessary. I had colleagues who would turn right around and try to pin stuff at me or blaming me for not telling them when indeed I did. That's why the first time telling them will now happen via mail without anyone in CC, but that way I still have a digital trail with a time stamp. Sadly some people still try to somehow make their faults my fault, so then you can be sure their boss will get a copy of that mail and the next time, definitely will be in CC.
#19
Commenting on what I'm eating! like be quiet. I didn't ask you, lady.
This is usually accompanied by my second pet peeve. Commenting on my weight. I'm not super thin anymore. I'm average weight now. But I used to be abnormally thin. I also used to have an eating disorder. So, I'd get women in the breakroom like "Where do you put it? Where does it all go? Hardy-Har"-in the toilet, Janet. It will be thrown up into the toilet and your comments aren't helping.
StrangeOne 1 year ago
My last job was really bad for this. If I brought my own food it wasn't healthy enough. If I bought takeaway I was splurging too much on myself and "starving my family". I would hear comments about other's food. People bitched so much about ethnic foods management put a ban on any scented foods. That eliminated most food.
#21
I feel like private information should, if at all, be volunteered and it’s inappropriate to ask. I had my first child younger than is typical for my culture and random coworkers I met that day (that knew I had a kid based of a Mother’s Day present on my desk) asked me if he was planned. Get a grip, we’re not hanging out, we‘re working together.
StrangeOne 1 year ago
This is so common and I get the feeling you have to give an answer. I had mine young, too, and I apparently still look like I'm in my 20s. My daughter's grown up now and when people heard she had a 21st birthday everyone was so shocked, asking my age, when I had her. It was super uncomfortable and opened the door for scrutiny for how I decide my life choices. No one should have to answer to anyone about their personal life. It's no one's business. Every job I've had it's been like this.
#22
Acting like this is high school, reporting me because I don't want to talk about your personal life with you (yes this happened and my boss laughed it off obviously).
Frits Driessen 1 year ago
I got reported because I didn't want to talk s**t about someone who used to work there (one of my only friends in the company) and the boss was in on the s**t talking as well. Glad I left.
#23
Speaking condescendingly to someone simply because they're younger than you are
Will Cable 1 year ago
This also happens the other way, younger people talking to older people as if they know nothing.
#27
Acting as though your grumpy "I haven't had my coffee yet" tantrums are a personality trait
#28
Constant, pointless (almost nattering like) small talk from specific people.
I don't want to hear about your favorite pie and debate if it's the best flavor or not.
#29
The ‘better than you’ attitude because they work in a ‘better’ department.
Drives me nuts!
#30
Inability to follow directions or accept constructive criticism. It's vital to the work that I do. I let new employees go the second I see it.
What do you think ?
Sonja 1 year ago
Not firing lazy bums because we are short staffed. Hey boss, maybe we are short staffed because we collect procrasinators as if we can win a trophy if we catch them all and the good people quit because you expect them to do double shifts because Mindy can't be bothered to do even the bare minimum because she knows she'll only get a slap on the wrist and can go on not doing anything. And I'm not talking about favouritism. I talk about weak pushover managers who cannot put their foot down and try to be everyone's friend instead of managing so they make excuses for even the laziest skip offs.
Doctor Strange 1 year ago
Before I came to work at my current company, there was someone who got fired for things like just not showing up, continually being late, etc etc (again before my time I don't have all the details.) We're a small company, and my bosses kept in touch with him (we're also a small field, so just about everyone in the field ends up getting to know each other). So naturally, they thought it was a brilliant idea to hire the brother of the person who was fired, on the recommendation of the person who was fired. And then *I* get chewed out when, surprise, the brother Also isn't capable of doing the job. Its been a year and he is STILL making mistakes that he should have cleared up in the first week, things I know he knows because I have told him multiple times. But he screws up and I get yelled at for it, despite the fact that I don't have any actual authority to address the behavior, and my boss, the owner of the company, doesn't follow through when I tell him about problems.
Load More Replies...
Chloe Patt 1 year ago
Throwing millions at RACE agenda with tens of work streams to support DIVERSITY & promote colleagues. But you don't qualify if you're any race minority other than black. Never felt so invisible in my life. Apparently there are only 2 correct races: black and white.
Social media 1 year ago
How about just hire/promote based on accomplishments. After all, you are all woke now. Don't need this diversity c**p. I want the best person. Not the the best (black/female/lgqrzt).
Load More Replies...
Lisia Smith 1 year ago
Please don't tell me about how you're going to go home and take your bra & shirt off and sit under a blanket by the fire after work. And PLEASE don't tell me that your husband doesn't think you need a blanket! I do not want to know this!!!
Sonja 1 year ago
Not firing lazy bums because we are short staffed. Hey boss, maybe we are short staffed because we collect procrasinators as if we can win a trophy if we catch them all and the good people quit because you expect them to do double shifts because Mindy can't be bothered to do even the bare minimum because she knows she'll only get a slap on the wrist and can go on not doing anything. And I'm not talking about favouritism. I talk about weak pushover managers who cannot put their foot down and try to be everyone's friend instead of managing so they make excuses for even the laziest skip offs.
Doctor Strange 1 year ago
Before I came to work at my current company, there was someone who got fired for things like just not showing up, continually being late, etc etc (again before my time I don't have all the details.) We're a small company, and my bosses kept in touch with him (we're also a small field, so just about everyone in the field ends up getting to know each other). So naturally, they thought it was a brilliant idea to hire the brother of the person who was fired, on the recommendation of the person who was fired. And then *I* get chewed out when, surprise, the brother Also isn't capable of doing the job. Its been a year and he is STILL making mistakes that he should have cleared up in the first week, things I know he knows because I have told him multiple times. But he screws up and I get yelled at for it, despite the fact that I don't have any actual authority to address the behavior, and my boss, the owner of the company, doesn't follow through when I tell him about problems.
Load More Replies... Chloe Patt 1 year ago
Throwing millions at RACE agenda with tens of work streams to support DIVERSITY & promote colleagues. But you don't qualify if you're any race minority other than black. Never felt so invisible in my life. Apparently there are only 2 correct races: black and white.
Social media 1 year ago
How about just hire/promote based on accomplishments. After all, you are all woke now. Don't need this diversity c**p. I want the best person. Not the the best (black/female/lgqrzt).
Load More Replies... Lisia Smith 1 year ago
Please don't tell me about how you're going to go home and take your bra & shirt off and sit under a blanket by the fire after work. And PLEASE don't tell me that your husband doesn't think you need a blanket! I do not want to know this!!!
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