Tis the season for annoying co-workers
The approaching holiday season can spread good cheer through the office but it can also transform normally rational and well-mannered employees into high irritating colleagues, warns a recruitment firm.
The associate director of OfficeTeam Stephen Langhammer says there are four main characters employees should take care not to become this festive season.
The Not-So-Secret Shopper
This is the person who is so busy adding to the economy with their constant shopping that he or she forgets to add to their employer’s bottom line by actually doing their job.
Online shopping gives way to extended lunch breaks to get an extra item for family and friends. Worse of all, the whole office has to hear about the Not-So-Secret Shopper’s latest gift buying. Amazingly the shopper doesn’t equate their antics with an extra workload for colleagues picking up their slack.
Stephen’s Tip: Don’t let your gift list get in the way of your job duties. Even if your company has a liberal computer use policy, err on the side of caution and save the shopping for out of work hours.
The Human Holiday Display
This person casts the company dress code aside in favour of reindeer antlers and festive tee shirts while his or her desk is decked out in a sea of tinsel and blinking lights and noisy devices. Again, a productivity killer plus noise and bright lights can be distracting to co-workers.
Tip: While it is fun to celebrate the festive season, adhere to organisational and departmental guidelines when decorating your workspace and yourself. Remember: Everything in moderation.
The Party Animal
Regardless of how casual the setting might be, the annual office party is still a work function. Read CareerOne’s tips on surviving the office do with your reputation intact Drinking on an empty stomach, cornering the boss on most topics, romantic hook ups and crazy dancing are all hazards to your career health. Inevitably, the entire company will be whispering about the Party Animal’s regrettable antics by the next morning.
Tip: Allow yourself to have some fun at work events, but don’t completely let down your guard. You don’t need to be the life of the party to make an impression. Drink alcohol moderately and don’t pressure others who are opting to abstain.
The Grinch
In sharp contrast to the workplace’s most cheerful holiday enthusiasts, this frosty grump is well known for having a bad attitude. He maintains a scrooge-like demeanour to make it clear he’s not feeling festive — and that you shouldn’t either. Full of cynicism, smirks and sarcasm, he finds a way to criticise everything. The Grinch remains unaware that the constant griping, groaning and gossiping can be incredibly grating.
Tip: Some people don’t get into the festive spirit, and that’s alright. What’s not OK is trying to spread a “Bah humbug!” attitude to everyone else. Be mindful that strong interpersonal skills such as tact and diplomacy are critical to career advancement.
