You thought David Brent was bad... here's what winds us up at the office

/ 18th October 2024 /

Is there anything worse at work than seeing the person next to you in the office coast through the day doing absolutely nothing, or a useless boss whose blunders seem to serve only to get them promoted? writes Matthew Cox.

Apparently not - for incompetent colleagues like The Office's David Brent are the most annoying thing at work, according to a new study.

Two-thirds (66%) of people find people doing their jobs badly annoying, followed by not being given the information you need (56%) and being micro-managed (52%).

The survey of more than 1,000 workers, commissioned by the conciliation service Acas, asked about a range of button-pushing workplace experiences including not getting the credit you deserve, not being listened to and selfish colleagues.

Acas said annoying workplace behaviours can have a negative impact on relationships and productivity, and can eventually lead to disputes if unresolved.

Not being respected at work (42% ) was the fourth most annoying thing about a job, according to the survey, with similar issues around not getting credit for your work (39%) and not being listened to (38%) also plaguing a large chunk of employees.

Participants were asked to select up to five pet peeves that they would specifically find irritating at work from a shortlist.

Director of dispute resolution at Acas, Kate Nowicki, said workplace relationships can sometimes deteriorate badly: "When a relationship breaks down, it can be difficult or even impossible for a workplace to function.

"This can increase stress, affect productivity and may ultimately lead to bullying or harassment claims."