Ugh -- Coffee Breath!

Co-workers driving you nuts?

Cramped conditions, work stress and personality clashes can amplify annoying work habits. Here are a few of the worst -- and tips for keeping your sanity:

The Microwave Gourmet

Nothing destroys a happy mood quite like the smell of leftover fish heating in the microwave. A meal may be delicious, but smells can linger in the office for days. These offenders mean no harm, but the stench is enough to strain co-worker relations as long as the odor hangs around.

The Mooch

"I can't find my pen, can I take yours?" "Did you bring an extra copy of the Pinsky file for me?" "Can you spot me $5 at lunch?" "I have to leave early today, would you mind finishing up this spreadsheet for me?" Mooches are never prepared, and they have no shame when it comes to asking other people to pick up their slack. Not only do they "borrow" your supplies (never to be seen again), but they often have a way of manipulating others into doing their work for them.

The Cologne King and Perfume Queen

These co-workers often leave you wondering if you work in a corporate office or a department store fragrance counter. While there is nothing wrong with a little perfume or cologne, going overboard is not only annoying, it can lead to headaches or even allergy attacks.

The Personal Caller

As you toil away on your work, The Personal Caller is busy over-sharing on the phone. You know everything about this person. Their doctor visits. Their children's soccer schedules. Their sister's husband's uncle's ongoing battle with gout. The Personal Caller has no shame when it comes to taking or placing calls, seemingly mistaking cubicles for soundproof walls.

The Downer

When you see this person coming, your heart sinks. The Debbie and David Downers of the office are never happy, never have anything positive to say, and drag everyone down in the muck with them. Whether it's the current state of the Ebola outbreak or the fact that the accounting department just got new printers but your department did not, talking to a Downer dampens your own mood.

The Busy Beaver

Raise your hand if you've heard this before:

"I'd love to help you but I'm slammed right now. I LITERALLY have 847 unread emails in my inbox and I have to get three reports in by the end of the week. I'm just. So. Busy. Ever since Steve quit three years ago, I've been doing the work of four people. Would you mind just taking care of it or giving it to someone else? By the way, if anyone asks where I am, I'm running out for a latte. I'll be back in an hour!"

How to Handle Crazy Co-workers

While there may be moments when you want to tell annoying co-workers to take a long walk off a short pier, snapping only makes you look like the crazy person. Here are some tips to help you navigate aggravating team members without making things worse:

  • Attitude is everything: When you dwell on annoying habits, they will only become more amplified, creating a vicious cycle of frustration. Try to smile your way through each interaction with an annoying co-worker and remember that you may do things that annoy them, as well.
  • Find something you have in common: You may think that you have absolutely nothing in common with David Downer, but the next time he wants to talk about starving children in Africa, ask him what he did with his weekend. You may discover that you're both avid gardeners. Finding common ground will give you other things to focus on when the object of your annoyance strikes up a conversation.
  • If possible, be direct (but polite): There is nothing wrong with being direct with a co-worker, as long as you are respectful. If someone's personal calls are impeding your ability to do your work, just ask them kindly if they wouldn't mind taking personal calls outside. Often, the delivery makes all the difference.
  • Talk to HR: If you aren't comfortable being direct yet you simply cannot ignore the annoying habit, make an appointment with human resources. An HR associate can help you manage the situation, either by giving you the tools to deal with it yourself, or stepping in when necessary.

In every team in every office at every company in America, one thing is certain: Co-workers get on each others' nerves. The key to handling tough situations is not to let them drag you too far down. Commit to maintaining a great attitude, and focus your efforts on your work. By setting a good example, you may have a positive, trickle-down effect on the rest of the team.