15 Things People Do at Work That Make Everyone Roll Their Eyes and How to Avoid Them with a Smile
Every workplace has its own unique mix of personalities and habits. Some actions, though, tend to get on everyone’s nerves—sometimes without the person realizing it.
By noticing these common workplace annoyances, you can sidestep them and help set a more positive environment for yourself and your team.
Constantly checking phone during meetings
Checking your phone in meetings distracts not just you but everyone around you. It often comes off as disrespectful or like you’re not fully engaged.
Constantly glancing down breaks the flow of discussion. If you really need to use your phone, try to wait for breaks or urgent moments.
Setting clear boundaries for phone use can help you focus. For example, designate specific times to catch up on messages or use app limits to reduce distractions.
If you’re leading the meeting, encourage others to stay off their phones in a friendly way. Offering flexibility while emphasizing the importance of attention strikes a good balance during work hours.
Ending calls with ‘Let’s circle back’
“Let’s circle back” is meant to sound professional and keep the conversation open, but it often feels overused and vague. Colleagues might wonder when or if you’ll actually follow up.
Instead of defaulting to “Let’s circle back,” try being clearer about next steps. For example, say “I’ll email you the details tomorrow” to show commitment.
If you must use it, specify when the circle back will happen. Giving your team a timeline helps avoid that collective eye roll and builds trust.
Using jargon like ‘synergize’ unnecessarily
Buzzwords like “synergize” can feel unnecessary and vague. Instead of sounding professional, you might come off as trying a bit too hard.
Using simple language helps everyone follow along easily. Saying what you mean clearly keeps the team on the same page.
Overusing jargon can make conversations feel less genuine. It’s better to use straightforward words that get your message across.
If you want to sound smart, explain ideas in a way anyone can understand. Your message is more likely to be understood.
Cutting down on corporate buzzwords can boost morale and productivity.
Stapling every paper just for fun
Some people staple every single paper, even when it’s not necessary. This turns stapling into a quirky obsession.
It might seem harmless, but it slows down workflows and wastes supplies. Un-stapling papers later adds an extra step for everyone else.
If you catch yourself doing this, try holding back. Stapling is useful, but only when it helps keep things organized.
For some laughs about stapling overkill, check out people who can’t stop stapling.
Making endless sniffling noises
A coworker who keeps sniffling without using a tissue can be hard to ignore. The constant noise quickly becomes distracting.
Sometimes people don’t realize how bothersome their habits are. If you decide to say something, keep it gentle and polite.
Encouraging them to use tissues or step away for a moment can help. Addressing it quietly helps keep a positive work vibe.
Dealing with this type of noise gracefully can make your environment much more pleasant. For tips, check out managing co-worker noises effectively.
Long personal phone calls at work
Taking personal calls at work might seem harmless, but long calls can disrupt your focus and distract others. If you need to make a personal call, try to keep it brief.
Stepping away from your desk shows respect for your coworkers. Many workplaces have policies about personal phone use to prevent distractions.
Constant phone conversations can give the impression that you’re not fully engaged. Being mindful about when and where you take calls helps your professional image.
If emergencies require longer calls, try to handle them during breaks or in designated areas. Balancing work and personal needs thoughtfully keeps the office atmosphere positive.
Overusing the phrase ‘It is what it is’
Saying “It is what it is” too often can come across as dismissive. People might feel like you’re brushing off their concerns.
This phrase is meant to suggest acceptance, but using it all the time can make conversations feel closed off. It can sound like you’re avoiding looking for solutions.
If you catch yourself using this phrase a lot, try swapping it out. Phrases like “Let’s figure out how to fix this” can keep things productive.
Saying ‘No offense, but…’ before an insult
When someone starts with “No offense, but…,” what follows usually isn’t pleasant. It’s a common way to try to soften a critical or rude comment.
Putting “no offense” in front of an insult doesn’t undo the hurt. It often feels like a warning rather than a true apology.
Instead, try to express your thoughts kindly and respectfully. That way, your message is clearer and you avoid unnecessary tension.
People often use this phrase to avoid responsibility for their words. It can create awkward moments because the insult still stings.
Bringing up outdated ‘back in my day’ stories
Someone at work might start with “Back in my day” during a meeting or chat. These stories often focus on how things were done years ago.
While some experiences are interesting, repeating them too much can make others roll their eyes. It’s easy to tune out because they don’t always connect to today’s challenges.
If you hear these tales, try steering the chat towards how things can improve now. If you share your own experiences, focus on what still matters today.
This keeps conversations more relevant and engaging for everyone. More on outdated habits can be found in stories shared by older adults on BuzzFeed.
Using ‘literally’ incorrectly all the time
You’ve probably heard people say, “I literally died laughing,” when they didn’t actually die. Using “literally” this way has become super common.
When you say “literally” for emphasis, it can confuse others or make your meaning less clear. The word’s meaning has even shifted in dictionaries because of overuse.
Sometimes, people use “literally” just to exaggerate or sound dramatic. Overusing it can make you sound less precise and a bit tiring to listen to.
Try reserving “literally” for moments when something is actually true. This keeps your message sharp and respectful of the word’s meaning.
Dropping ‘That’s cringe’ after every comment
Saying “That’s cringe” after almost everything someone says can come across as dismissive or mocking. It makes others feel like their ideas aren’t being taken seriously.
At work, respecting your coworkers’ opinions helps build a positive environment. Instead of labeling comments as cringe, try asking questions or offering constructive feedback.
Overusing trendy phrases like “That’s cringe” might make you seem less professional. People could start tuning you out or rolling their eyes when you speak.
Being careful with what you say can improve your relationships and reputation at work. Avoid the temptation to drop “That’s cringe” as a knee-jerk reaction.
Chronic passive-aggressive behavior
Some people avoid direct confrontation but still manage to cause frustration. Passive-aggressive behavior often shows up as subtle digs or backhanded compliments.
A coworker who ignores your ideas or delays tasks without explanation can make things harder. Sarcastic remarks or silent treatment are also common signs.
Dealing with chronic passive-aggressiveness requires patience. Clear and open communication can help.
Calling out the behavior respectfully or asking for clarity can prevent misunderstandings. Recognizing these patterns early helps you manage work relationships better.
Interrupting with ‘Quick question’ then monologuing
Sometimes, someone says “quick question” but then launches into a long explanation or story. This can throw off your flow and derail the meeting without warning.
When interrupted like this, it feels like your time isn’t being respected. You were ready for a short answer, yet suddenly you’re trapped in a mini-lecture.
If you notice yourself doing this, try to pause and ask if it’s a good time to dive deeper. Giving others a chance to agree before you expand helps keep conversations balanced.
Keeping questions truly quick keeps everyone’s energy up. It also makes your points clearer and easier to address.
Calling out minor mistakes loudly in meetings
Pointing out small errors loudly during meetings can make others feel uncomfortable or defensive. It’s usually better to save minor corrections for private conversations.
Calling out little mistakes in front of everyone might come across as trying to show off. Instead, consider whether the issue is important enough to bring up now.
If the mistake is significant, try to speak calmly and respectfully. You can also frame your correction in a helpful way, so it feels like collaboration rather than criticism.
Being mindful of how you point out errors helps maintain a positive team atmosphere.
Hovering over coworkers’ desks uninvited
When someone stands too close to your desk without asking, it can feel awkward and distracting. You might find it hard to focus when a coworker hovers nearby, especially if they don’t respect your personal space.
If a colleague drops by for a quick chat, that’s usually fine. But lingering or looming when you’re busy can interrupt your flow and make you uncomfortable.
It helps if people check in with a quick message before approaching. This simple step shows respect for your workspace and work time.
You can also try gently setting boundaries by mentioning when you need focus time. Most coworkers will understand if you explain it kindly.
You might arrange your desk to limit easy access or subtly signal when you prefer to work uninterrupted.
