What's Annoying Employees
Posted on Feb. 20, 2023 / Secretary's Update / Subscribe 0
Recently I read an article published by Michele McGovern about the eight (8) worst complaints HR received now that employees are back to work. As I read the article, I thought and chuckled…how does this apply to Hawaii?
Recently, we all read that Disney is requiring all their office/corporate workers back to the office. The same for Hawaii, even though office leasing space is still at an all time high, more and more Companies are requiring full attendance and not allowing employees to work remotely. And the “It is so great to see you!” “Love the new hairdo!” and “How’s the kids?” is way past. Now you are hearing….“Really! Does she/he have to bring the kim chi or if I see her/him eating dinuguan at work again, I am going to !?!?!”
What does Michele say are the biggest complaints and how does this translate to us here in Hawaii?
Most annoying: They forgot what’s acceptable
“Essentially, now employees want HR to help stop weird, loud and toxic behaviors in the workplace. (Even when it annoys you, too.) Whether it’s a manager reporting team conflict or an employee whining about the dirty microwave, you likely have to step in.”
The worst of the worst: Here’s what’s annoying employees.
1. The fridge - Whether it is a shared fridge or not, the content should always be clear. Sealed and closed containers and clearly marked with the employee’s name. If it smells, then the employee needs to remove it. If it is in there and spoiled, it gets tossed even if it is the bosses. And the rule of thumb - it’s the smell - fish, hard boiled eggs, raw onions, etc. - even though tasty, you should have a backup plan if odor lingers. Ethnic food is always tough to decipher and should be discussed and all agreed upon.
2. The attire - Flip flops, bare feet. Yoga pants, PJs. Last decade’s concert shirt. We’ve had an etiquette slide in the workplace that’s likely annoying some employees, bosses, and customers. While we might not be back to three-piece suits, there can be a happy medium. In Hawaii, Aloha shirts were always acceptable, although in recent trends they seem to define the generations. Be sensitive to this and don’t let this become a DEI issue.
3. The noise. Nail clipping. Personal conversations held loudly. Loud music, TV on, change jingling. Belching and beyond, yes you know what I mean. At home you could do it any time you wanted. Many of the things that were appropriate at home - and some behaviors that are outright weird - have made their way back into the workplace.
4. The movement. Some people fidget. Other’s pace. Some people's knees shake and shake. Some tap - All. The. Time. Others walk like they’re in no hurry to get anywhere. Others drum fingers. And because people move at different paces, and have limited patience for others’ movements, they get annoyed - and complain to HR or worse to others who then complain to HR.
5. The gossip… psst you GOT to hear this. People who love gossip have a lot to catch up on. And now that more people are back in the office, there’s more to witness, theorize about and spread. For those who hate gossip, it’s like nails on the chalkboard. And in Hawaii, where they say women are worse than men, there is no dividing line, we are all created equal. Everyone wants to be the first to tell the story.
6. The smell. Almost everyone has had to deal with a colleague who smells in a way you don’t like - perhaps too much perfume or too little showering. And that leads to the dreaded “You stink” conversation that HR so often has to initiate. In some cultures, body order is alluring… in Hawaii when your BO is offensive you are going to be told by your friends before your co-worker hopefully or even your mother (hopefully!). The more people are together, the more you’ll be having these conversations in 2023. Let’s hope you are ready.
7. The rudeness. How rude!!! While almost all annoying behaviors seem rude, actual rudeness is annoying enough by itself. And it’s exactly what employees will complain about to HR (or their direct manager). When employees blow off, speak sharply to, interrupt and/or ignore colleagues, you’ll hear about it. There is NEVER a reason to swear. I don’t think that should ever be tolerated in the office. EVER!!!
8. The TMI (and TLS). Employees who give up too much information (TMI) are back at it. In the office, they have a new audience. Problem is that a portion of that audience is irritated by hearing more than they bargained for. And, let’s consider the physical cousin of TMI – too little space (TLS) – when colleagues get up in your space, too close to your face in conversation, over your shoulder at the desk, sidling up to you at the lunch table, etc.
Ease the complaining
HR pros know you can’t ignore employee complaints because they’re 1) a reality to the employee, and 2) a possible bias or harassment claim that you’ll need to investigate immediately. But you can also take proactive steps to get employees to stop some annoying workplace behaviors and help others better manage what they find annoying.
Make sure you always have open communication, and everyone is allowed to communicate and have good boundaries and responsibilities and can be heard.
Here are several other strategies.
Set standards. While behavior and habit etiquette is difficult to dictate, you can direct people toward workplace friendly choices. Post signs and send reminders about things you can control. For instance, in the break room, ask people to put their names on everything, microwave their food with a lid on it and remove any food after five days. Then designate a day for a weekly clean-out. McGovern says, “Be explicit to avoid these little mistakes.”
Start small. Invite teams to have a conversation about “pandemic vices” – helping them uncover and talk about habits they’ve picked up and how they might not fit in the physical workplace. And you can turn back to any standards you’ve already established. One caveat: Don’t let these team conversations turn into rant sessions that often lead to further conflict.
Call it out. And give employees tools to do the same. Harvard Business School expert Amy Gallo suggests using these kinds of statements when addressing rude behavior:
o Use “I” statements. I felt dismissed by your comment; I’m hurt by what you just said; I imagine it wasn’t your intent, but that made me uncomfortable.
o Use “It/That” statements. It’s disrespectful to tell people their ideas don’t have merit; That comment isn’t helpful to either of us.
o Ask strategic questions. Did I hear you correctly? I think you said… Can we take a step back for a moment?
Above all, stay safe and continue to remember your manners.
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