Let’s be real — at some point in our lives, we all cross paths with people who send our moods straight to the wall. Whether it’s their attitude, work ethic, or plain rudeness, annoying co-workers are everywhere.
Getting Along with Co-Workers Matters provides real value
Fostering good relationships at work has some of the following wins
- Strong psychological well-being
- Reduced stress and a more fulfilled life
- Better career success and work satisfaction
- Tangible physical health benefits, including lower blood pressure and a happier heart (Harvard Business Review backs this up)
So why the friction? Sometimes it’s personal character — people get lazy, leave tasks undone, or have habits that rub us the wrong way. Maybe they’re loud on calls, ignore shared responsibilities e.g., one may not refill the water dispensers or coffee tabs, and sometimes printers, & photocopiers may be left jammed and in troubled state., or simply exude rudeness or passive aggression.
Sometimes, Work Colleagues may be just rude or bullies; But here is some ways we can handle this situation and bring harmony;
Be Direct and Assertive
It’s important to face the co-worker and share your concerns about what bothers from you character and how its affecting your job performance. More importantly, try to use a more calm tone other than being critical and confrontational. Sometimes people have no idea that certain things about them might be affecting others unless its directly pointed out to them, and this would help solve the problem at hand.
Observe your self and confide in a true friend.
Sometimes, we need to look within and see what’s really causing the tension, is it something from within us, e.g. does the colleague practice habits that trigger us about our past life or remind us about our weakness.
It’s also important to confide in a close and honest friend to find out if the behavior of the co-worker is only annoying to you alone or others as well.
It will then be possible to find a solution going forward.
Gossip Zones
Every once in a while, we might complain about one or a few things, but do not make the habit of talking ill of others to be a major discussion on your lips, this is a big trigger that will make you detestable and only accentuate and make toxic behavior normal at the workplace.
Respect and Etiquette
It’s important to maintain general good conduct while at the work place, e.g. dressing appropriately, acknowledging others for their accomplishments, practicing good E-mail conduct and having the ability to follow ethics and respect work colleagues.
Being courteous and respectful helps a great deal in mitigating toxic behavior at work.
Be positive and find Humor
When a work mate says something mean, try to counter it with an intelligent reply that can get both of you laughing.
-Also, Instead of focusing on all annoying habits of the Co-workers, try to see the good side and how supportive a co-worker is, being positive and focusing on good traits helps you to relax your mind as we can’t completely change people’s behavior and personality.
Breath and Take a Walk
When things get so tensed up, you can’t return against or act angrily to a work colleague, rather take a small walk to wind down and catch some breath.
Involve your supervisors or top management
In talking to high level HR officials, try to frame your concerns about the workmates…you find trouble with…in a light which shows that thier conduct Is affecting your ability to perform at the job.
Fronting forward personal reasons of stress and discomfort that the co-workers cause may not be professional.
At the end of the day, we should practice habits of being likeable; Right from the first you day you join a new organization!
– Be friendly.
-Br curious about others.
-Avoid sharing alot about personal life, unless a work colleague is a close friend.
Transfer and or get a new job
If the tension at work is so intense, and you have tried all peaceful means to get things in order but nothing is working out, you may as well consider getting a new job or office; but these should be the last options you employ.
In summary, We can’t always control the behavior of others — but we can control our response. Mastering that art isn’t just about surviving the workplace — it’s about thriving in it. Be assertive, stay positive, guard your peace, and never lose sight of your worth