Dealing with the Annoying Coworkers

Even if you love your job, most people have a few coworkers with whom they just don't see eye to eye. If you have an office like mine, the situation is exacerbated by the fact that the seating is close and you hear every little sound and scuffle. Having worked in close quarters for the past six years, I've developed coping strategies to get me through the nine hour days without committing a crime. Because after all, as unpleasant as work can be, jail is probably worse. Most days.

The best thing to do in cases of annoying coworkers is try to ignore them. Obviously, ignoring someone you sit very near can be an exercise in futility, but I've found a surefire remedy: headphones. Some managers and supervisors won't allow them, but if yours will, invest in a good quality pair. The type that fit into your ears are preferable to the foam type that fit over your ears because they tend to drown out more sound. Burn CDs or transfer mp3s to your computer for maximum selection or bring enough music to last you throughout the day.

Another option, which works for those who have coworkers who enjoy having extremely private conversations in plain earshot of the whole office, is to let them know what you know. Drop information you've had no choice but to overhear into conversation with the offender. Often, a little knowledge about what others know due to their lack of discretion is enough to make the person think twice about having private conversations in public.

If certain people are more irritating at various times of the day (lunch, breaks, etc), consider changing your schedule around theirs. Run the change by your boss, if applicable, but often, taking your lunch before or after an irritating coworker can be great for a middle of the day break. Not only are you not at your desk for your lunch break, but they aren't at their desk for their lunch break. So you're actually getting two breaks for the price of one!

Of course, two obvious options are to talk to the person about their behavior, or notify your boss that you'd like to be moved if you feel that you just cannot handle dealing with the person any longer. Sometimes, people have no idea that they're doing something that others find unacceptable until it is brought to their attention. Obviously, in cases of really inappropriate behavior, bring the matter to your Human Resources or your supervisor immediately.

A little creativity, and a good pair of headphones, however, can usually get you through most days. Just remind yourself that you're only there for eight hours, and you have the next 16 hours to decompress and prepare for another day....