How to Deal with an Annoying Co-Worker

Every office has one. The annoying co-worker, a common figure in offices across America, terrorizes the work environment and makes life much more difficult to live in the daily grind of a nine-to-five job. The unfortunate part is that every corporation has them, so you can't simply fix the situation by changing jobs. However, it's completely up to you whether or not you want to deal with their behavior directly or pull what little hair you have left on your head out in frustration at them. If you're ready to confront them, then here are a ways to do it effectively without losing your job:

Avoid them completely.

If you're suffering because a co-worker has an office or cubicle near you, then I suggesting going to a manager to see if you can move to a different cubicle. You don't have to tell them details, just that you're having a difficult time concentrating in that particular area and you need a change. The last thing you need is office drama. The solution seems pretty effective. If there is someone that annoys you then the only way they can't annoy you is if you don't spend time working with them. If you can't get the move, then just ignore their conversations and look the other way.

Confront them in a pleasant way.

Sometimes there's no getting around it. There are many reasons you could be annoyed with this particular person. Some of things I've noticed in an office are loud cell phones, loud conversations, messes left everywhere, negative things being said, and people with nothing better to do than bother you and take up your time.

If you're constantly around this person then the best thing you can do is to confront them, but in a pleasant way. For instance, by saying, "I was just curious if you could turn your cell phone ringer down. It's loud and I'm trying to get this report done." Most of the time people will respond well when the criticism is said in a way that is non-threatening. It is this step that is most important, because the majority of your problems can be solved with a bit of positive verbal communication. The truth of the matter if you were successful at moving cubicles then there's something else that will annoy you about the people and things in that area. Sooner or later you'll have to deal with the problem directly. Keep in mind, you probably have habits that annoy other people as well so think about how you'd like people to confront you about it.

Confront them in an aggressive way.

Okay, so you tried to be civilized and it didn't work. You attempted to change cubicles. You had a pleasant conversation with the person and it seems that they still did not respect your request. The cell phone is still ringing loudly and they're still leaving their lunch plate sitting around in the kitchen. It's time to get the point across. The next time that they do or say something that annoys you then call them out on it. If they're teasing you about getting to work late or falling behind on a report then tell them that you don't appreciate their snide comments and if it continues then you'll take it to management. Sometimes a threat is the only way to do it. If you feel that is too extreme then think about how many times you've gritted your teeth and wanted to say something but didn't. You've tried to be civilized about it, but it's getting to the point where it's affecting your work and your managers won't like that. Most people are passive-aggressive and will back down once you challenge them. The point here is to take up for yourself.

Transfer or ask for a promotion.

Of course, this is an extreme act, but it does happen. If management has yet to step in and handle the situation and you feel that you cannot work in the office any longer with the distractions then you may want to consider a transfer to a different office. There's no reason to quit a job you love, but there is a good reason to move locations.

Also, depending on your situation and experience you could ask the management for a promotion. Once you're in management, you don't have to deal with the daily office life and drama. Instead, you'll be monitoring the conflict and in charge of everything. This would be your chance to get back at that annoying co-worker!