How to Deal with an Annoying Coworker

Dealing with an annoying co-worker can make a huge difference in your workplace experience. It can mean that you dread going to work. While you are at work, there is an uncomfortable feeling because as much as you want to say something to the person, you realize that your own job could be at stake. You may look for the person to do something against company policy, almost hoping that there is something you can report. The fact is, however, that the person is just plain annoying. An annoying co-worker could be someone who talks constantly, complains constantly, interrupts you while you are trying to do your job. The annoying co-worker could be the office gossip, or the person who brings family issues into the workplace.

While it can be a dilemma dealing with an annoying co-worker, there are ways to make the experience more tolerable:

-Don't get into meaningless conversations with such a person. Often such a person says things as a means of trying to engage you in a debate. Don't fall for it. Just smile and nod. If you don't feed the person's need to engage you, there is a likelihood the person will move elsewhere.

-Keep a positive attitude. If the person complains to you, just smile. Don't say anything. Don't agree or say anything that might encourage the person to keep talking.

-Don't fall into the gossip. This can be hard, especially if you agree with what the person might be saying. There is also a desire at times to know more juicy details. This can turn into a vicious cycle that could ultimately affect your job security.

Donna and Steve worked together in a small office setting. Although Donna liked Steven, he had a habit of spreading gossip around the office. Donna found herself getting caught up in the gossip. Soon it appeared to other co-workers as if Donna and Steve had some kind of plan to get people in trouble. Co-workers started to avoid the both of them, which caused problems in the office. Management found out and both Donna and Steve received a formal reprimand for their unprofessional behavior.

-If a co-worker is always interrupting your work, let the person know that you need some quiet so that you can do your job. If the person does not pay attention and continues, report the person to management.

-Feel free to report any issues to management. Just make sure that your issues do not seem petty. Always relate the report to your ability to do your job in an effective manner. Never make it seem as if you have a personal agenda against the person.

Following the above tips will help to ensure that you can work in a more peaceful office environment. Don't be a victim of the annoying co-worker.