The nine to five grind is no joke, but it can be fulfilling and worth the toil when you do what you love, and better yet, enjoy the people you work with.
However, you’re bound to encounter at least one person in the office who you don’t exactly mesh with — that’s perfectly OK, and, in fact, normal. So here’s how to deal with the co-worker that annoys you.
Choose your battles
Before you confront a co-worker, ask yourself if this person has crossed a boundary that merits a conversation or if it’s something worth letting go. It’s important to choose your battles wisely and know when or when not to address it. Practice this and it’ll save you a lot of stress in the long run.
Communication is key
While choosing your battles is important, it’s equally as important to know how to communicate. If a co-worker’s actions are impeding your ability to do your job or disrespecting you in some way, speak up. Just keep in mind that every person is different, so take the time to learn the best way to communicate with your co-worker. Whether it’s through email, face-to-face conversation, or instant messaging, figure it out so you can better relay your concerns.
Find a space to disconnect
If the issue is that the person just simply annoys you, find some time in the day to take a breather and disconnect. Go for a walk, take a coffee break, or read a book during lunch for a quick refresher.
Find humor in the situation
They say laughter is the best medicine. In the case of a co-worker who is pressing all your buttons, this is especially true. However, we recommend saving the humor for outside of work. Talk to a roommate or best friend and crack all the jokes you want because a good laugh is sure to lighten up your mood.
Focus on adjustments you can make
While you can communicate your issues and keep your distance, there really isn’t much you can do to change someone. The only thing you can do is choose how you want to respond or react to the situation. Focus on where your power lies for some peace of mind.
xx, The FabFitFun Team
