I could have never written this blog post when I was working, but now that I’m retired and office etiquette is a distant memory, I can finally dish the dirt on some behaviours at work that definitely don’t make your co-workers happy.
These aren’t your typical “don’t be late for a meeting”, “answer chats in a timely fashion”, or “stay home when you’re sick” etiquette tips. These are the dastardly things people do at work that everyone is afraid to talk about.
Start the new year off fresh by avoiding these office faux pas:
- Eating the top of a muffin and leaving the bottom half in the box (yes, this actually happened to me during my last few weeks of work)
- Leaving a jam in the photocopier
- Listening to music or podcasts without earphones on
- Being a chatty Cathy so much that people can’t get their work done
- Eating loudly at your desk: I’ve had office mates who’ve crunched potato chips at 10 in the morning
- Eating foods with strong odours like fish
- Taking somebody else’s food or drinks (newsflash, it’s stealing)
- Placing dirty dishes in the sink for someone else to clean up
- Listening to people’s private phone conversations. Sometimes this is impossible to avoid, but always pretend like you didn’t hear anything unless your co-worker comments on the conversation. NEVER ask questions or insert yourself into the conversation.
- Quick poll: Walking around the office without your shoes on. This never bothered me, but I know it’s taboo in some offices. How do others feel about this one?
- And the ultimate, most disgusting habit that no one ever talks about but needs to be called out: leaving streaks in the toilet. I mean, c’mon. Who does that? Have you never heard of a courtesy flush?
Remember, as Michael Scott from The Office, said “If you don’t know who the annoying person in the office is… you’re it”.
Of course, if you are one of the lucky few still working remotely, the only co-worker you probably have to worry about offending is of the four-legged variety. Yet another case for remote work.
Have a happy work week everyone!
Happy Act 
During my first week of working at Empire Life I went into the 4th floor kitchenette one morning to make a pot of coffee. I was greeted by a friendly gentleman who had already started the process. We chatted while were were waiting for the pot to brew, and exchanged the niceties that happen when you’re a new hire…
“And you are..?” he asked.
“I’m Bill. I was recently brought on board as a business analyst. And you?”
“I’m Doug. I’m the president.”
And that’s the way I met Doug Hogeboom. His executive office was located in the corner of the 4th floor at the time. Doug had no problems making his own coffee and impressing upon staff to call him by his first name.
That was an impressive workplace gesture I’m more than happy to talk about a quarter of a century later!
Doug was and still is, the best! And just like living with family members, I should have said we tend to overlook the irritating behaviours of co-workers when you work with great people!