While open office space was very popular at one point, soon enough employees found that it impaired their productivity. But even if you share an office with a co-worker, annoying things are bound to show up and disrupt your work process. However, you are not alone in this problem and people all over the world experience these issues on daily basis.

So, have a look at the most annoying things happening in an office and maybe you will find the strength to call for a change in your workplace environment.

1. Lack of business communication etiquette

Business communication is more than answering questions, sending reports and receiving assignments. It also includes certain etiquette which will establish the relationship between coworkers especially if they don’t know each other personally. So, someone not replying to your email or any other type of messages is considered rude, unprofessional and very annoying.

2. Not washing the dishes

One of the most annoying things when working in an office is going to make a cup of coffee and finding that all the cups are dirty. One of the unwritten rules of the workplace is to wash your dishes once you are done with them. It’s quite unfair to leave the mess for others to wash and ruin their break in the process.

3. Loud conversations

Noise is something that is expected in an office, but there is the one that is unavoidable and the one intentional. From time to time, you will hear louder than a necessary conversation from a coworker who is either boastful or simply disrespectful. On occasions, shushing that person works, but there are times when you consider buying earplugs or raising a revolution.

4. People who invade your privacy

There is nothing worse than coworkers who lurk behind your back and watch what you are doing on the screen. Not only does that invade your privacy but can also lead to unnecessary gossiping and disruption of work. Also, there are those who simply don’t care or are bad-mannered and interrupt or listen to your conversations with clients, your boss or other coworkers.

5. Treating work as a karaoke bar

If you like to listen to music at work, plug in the headphones and don’t turn your office into a karaoke bar. Some people could be bothered by the noise and others may not listen to the same music as you do. Also, avoid singing out loud no matter how much you love the song since you are at the workplace and that means being professional and respectful to others.

6. Coming sick to work

Having a lot of work to do that you can’t even catch a break when being sick is a common problem today. However, when you share an office with other employees it’s irresponsible and doesn’t help anyone to come to work sick. At least hold your hand over your mouse when coughing and use a handkerchief when sneezing to minimize spreading of the germs.

7. Using your stuff without asking

Even though something is visible on co-worker's desk, it doesn’t mean you can freely use it whenever you want. Always ask if you can borrow the scissors, pen or even the hot sauce for your lunch and make sure you give it back when you are done. Go through other people's things without permission offensive and can ruin the relationship with your coworkers thus negatively affecting the workplace atmosphere.

8. Irresponsible behavior toward equipment

When you work in an office you share certain equipment with other coworkers and that makes you all responsible for its maintenance and functioning. However, it’s a common habit to forget to replace toner ink cartridges which can be very inconvenient if printed material is essential to finish the work. Irresponsible behavior can lead to faulty equipment which will, in turn, affect everyone's workload and could harm some of the business dealings in the end.

9. Health-obsessed coworkers

A healthy lifestyle should inspire others to start exercising, change their diet and drink more water. But when someone flaunts that in your face all the time, it becomes a nuisance and not an inspiration. It’s great that someone loves kale so much to eat it every day, but they should do it quietly and without shaming you for not doing the same.

In the end

The most annoying things in an office are usually responsible for a decrease in productivity and elevated stress levels. If you are bothered by something your coworkers do, ask them politely to stop or change their behavior. But, also, pay attention to your behavior and try to be respectful to other people’s privacy, time and work ethics.