At work, we spend most of our time, and therefore the atmosphere of the workplace must be comfortable. Recently, I conducted a small survey among my acquaintances on the topic “What annoys you at work?” and I want to share the results with you. Interestingly, they confirm the results of similar professional studies. Let’s get to know how to stop being annoyed at work?
The first place in the rating of annoying factors was occupied by the features of the work: the monotony of tasks, the feeling of a screw, the lack of a clear organization of work, constant delays and heavy workload, lack of prospects and the uncertainty of the future, a huge number of unnecessary letters in the mail and frequent half-day meetings.
In second place is the attitude of management towards employees: rudeness, and sometimes rudeness, invasion of personal space, unnecessary advice, concern only for their own comfort, delays in wages, and extravagant orders.
The third place was occupied by the personal habits of colleagues: loud or frequent personal conversations on the phone, gossip and empty talk, frequent “smoke breaks” and being late, the use of strong perfumes, provocative clothes, and bright makeup.
In fourth place are the everyday habits of colleagues. People get annoyed when someone: leaves dirt and trash in common areas, takes office stationery home, takes away or excessively consumes free corporate coffee, tea, cookies and the like at work.
Having received this anti-rating, I thought, can we somehow influence it? And I found a few ways to help.
Also read : How to resolve conflicts with collogues?
Method 1: Change the situation
The first option: to speak your emotions to a colleague through the “I-message”:
“When you speak loudly on the phone, I feel uncomfortable. I would like us all to treat each other with care and respect the feelings of other colleagues .
It is important to express exactly your feelings, and not blame the other person.
The second option: ask to be transferred to another workplace or to another office, explaining the reason. Sometimes this is enough to reduce your level of irritation.
The third option is to minimize the cause of irritation. If sounds are annoying, put on headphones and turn on your favorite music. If the movements of colleagues and their actions are annoying, organize the workplace so as not to see them.
The fourth option: to initiate changes in the organization of work, that is, to come to the management with specific proposals for changes.
Method 2: Looking for the true cause of your irritation
One of the causes of our irritation is the violation of personal boundaries. When we get angry, we defend ourselves.
The second reason is the high level of workload and violation of the basic needs of the body (sleep, food, rest).
The third is the unresolved personal problems we bring to work.
The fourth is health problems. There are diseases in which irritability is a side effect, such as hypertension or diabetes.
Sometimes the very awareness of the causes of irritation can minimize their impact on us. Knowing the cause of irritation, we can eliminate it: set personal boundaries, monitor the daily routine, and undergo an examination by a doctor.
Method 3: Change the attitude
Very often we focus on things that are not worth our attention at all. Try changing your attitude towards annoying factors through new settings:
- “These are small things compared to what is truly important.”
- “I did / did everything that I could / could, the rest is not in my power.”
- “It’s a good experience of coping with stress, I’m grateful for it.”
Method 4: Change the state
Irritation is a very strong emotion that paralyses muscles and breathing, so irritation can be removed through relaxation techniques: physical activity or breathing techniques.
If you feel irritated, get up and walk, do squats, drink water and take a few deep breaths.
Method 5: Making a choice
You can always make a choice: stay in a stressful situation or get out of it. In the end, there is always a radical option – to find another job, where there will be fewer annoying factors.