How to Deal with an Annoying Coworker - 14 Ways to Deal with One.

So take a seat, bring out a pen and paper, and list the annoying things the co-worker did and then look at the following strategies for the best way to deal with what you have written.

Doing this is also advantageous because you might find that it was you that was the problem in the first place.

2. Ignore them

It may not be entirely possible to ignore your problems away but this is one problem that you can ignore. Simply refuse to listen to the annoying coworker or let what it is that they are doing annoy you.

This is effective against loud talkers (you can put on headphones), gossipers (they will go find another audience) and the activists.

3. Use your work to save yourself

The beautiful thing about being at work is that work itself can be an excuse. When the gossipers and talkers come to you, you could simply tell them that you are chasing a deadline and so you need to focus on that.

And if they know there is no deadline, find other ways to keep yourself busy at work.

4. Talk to them

One of the most effective ways to deal with annoying people at work is to be direct with them. Go to them and tell them that their antics do not amuse you but you need to be smart about how you do so. Some tips include:

A. Do it in private

It is best to approach them in private and talk to them. There is a better chance that they will be more attentive when you do so. If done in public, chances are higher that they will be on the defensive in order to save face.

B. Don’t go to them angry

Don’t approach them when you are angry because this can lead to problems as shown in this article about speaking in anger.

C. Maintain professionalism

Whatever the case, this is still a work colleague and you have to maintain professionalism in any dealing with them related to work.

D. Stroke their ego with positive compliments

It would be best that you do not go in guns blazing when approaching your co-worker. Bring up positive instances to balance the negative instances and they will be less likely to be defensive.

E. Bring up specific instances

Making general statements does not drive the point home as much as precision. They need to know exactly when and how they annoyed you as this would leave them with less of a defense.

5. Don’t revenge

An eye for an eye makes the world go blind and one place you do not want to be blind in is at work. Avoid doing back to the person what they do to you as this could create a lot of workplace tension as well as distract you from your work.

If they are talking loudly, don’t join in and talk loudly as well because there will now be one more loud talker in the office. Don’t do this for gossipers, lazy coworkers, food thieves and definitely not for the arrogant.

6. Positive thoughts and time outs.

It is important that you do not let the annoying actions of your irritating coworkers get to you. When they start being annoying, tune out and think positive thoughts that can help you keep your head in the game. You can do so with some of these helpful tips on how to stay positive.

You can also give yourself time outs by taking a break when the annoying activity starts. You could take a walk or simply go out for some fresh air.

Useful for the talkers, activists, arrogant, extroverts, gossips, nasty and the unfunny comedians.

7. Don’t encourage their bad behavior

You should endeavor to ensure that you do not condone the behavior of the annoying co-worker as this would encourage them to engage in it more.

If your co-worker is lazy, don’t cover for them. If they gossip, don’t engage with them when they talk. And if they come to talk to you whilst you are working, don’t continue the conversation.

8. Escape the situation

If the co-worker constantly annoys you in the same manner, you will become adept at knowing when the annoying action is coming. In such cases, simply avoid the situation and go do something else so as not to be affected.

Works well for talkers, activists, gossipers, the nasties,and the unfunny comedians.

9. Let them know your stand

Sometimes it pays to set the record straight from the get-go. This way the co-worker knows not to engage in the annoying behavior around you.

This is virtually useful against all kinds of annoying coworkers listed here. It might create a little conflict in the short run but it is quite useful in the long run.

10. Establish a mutual connection

It is a proven fact that people are better able to overlook annoying traits in others if they have some form of relationship with them. If you find that other methods have not worked or if you would like to take a less drastic measure, find a common ground with your annoying colleague that you would not mind talking to them about.

If you both relate on a level that you are comfortable with, there will be less chances that you will be annoyed with them.

Works well against those co-workers who annoy you with words.

11. Compromise

Sometimes you just have to lay down your arms and stop fighting because you can’t win and your best bet would be to manage the situation.

Understand that humans will always be a certain way and meet your co-worker halfway. Accept some of the annoying traits and try to avoid the others.

Works well against talkers, the overachievers, the nasty and the comedians.

12. Empathy

The co-worker might only be engaging in the annoying activity because they are going through something or they can’t help themselves. In such cases, a little empathy would go a long way.

The talker for instance, might feel like they need to talk to someone or the activist might have a really personal reason for advocating for a cause. Listening to them wouldn’t hurt too much.

If however, the actions don’t stop after some time, take other actions because you can only care about another person’s problems for so long when you have your own as well.

13. Talk to someone

Sometimes a good vent can cleanse you of negative energy and calm you down. Find a person or two that you can talk to about the actions of the annoying co-worker. This could be family or friends but most likely your partner.

Be sure that whoever you pick understands the value of discretion so that the things you say don’t reach the coworker and give them the impression that you are talking behind their back.

If the annoyance is quite serious or you have underlying emotional issues such as anxiety, talking to a therapist can also work.

14. Talk to HR or Legal.

This is listed as the last option because it is quite drastic. Nobody likes being called to order by the HR Department and definitely not by the legal department. Be sure therefore, to only use this for the more serious cases like discrimination or if the actions by the annoying coworker have been consistent and now threaten your productivity.

You can suggest to HR that they implement certain measures such as:

A. Group meetings

Here whatever problems co-workers have with each other can be hashed out in an open manner and a comfortable environment.

B. Quiet areas

The company should introduce quiet areas where people are not allowed to talk. It would be a good escape from talkers and gossipers.

C. Company policy on co-worker relations.

The company should have formal rules and regulations on how co-workers should relate with each other so that certain situations such as food thievery can be avoided entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do you handle working with people who annoy you?

• Find out why they annoy you first.
• Ignore them
• Act busy.
• Be direct and talk to them.
• Establish a mutual connection.

2. How do you get an annoying coworker to leave you alone?

• Be direct and talk to them
• Ignore them
• Act busy
• Talk to HR if it is really serious.

3. How do you politely ignore a coworker?

• Talk to them
• Explain that you are busy
• Converse with them in such a way as to kill the conversation by limiting responses.

Conclusion

Annoying co-workers are a pretty serious problem at work with some people even stating that it is the reason they hate their jobs according to this chart from Visually.

The current Coronavirus pandemic saved a lot of us from physically being around coworkers and so we were less annoyed. Seeing however, as vaccines continue to be rolled out across the world, we will be heading back to work soon where our co-workers will definitely get on our nerves. We therefore wish you all the best as you go about applying the tips given above so as to preserve your sanity.