85% of Employees Face Co-Workers Engaging in Negative Behaviors

A recent Kickresume survey reveals that 85% of employees have encountered co-workers with behaviors like credit stealing and micromanaging, significantly impacting workplace morale and productivity. Despite these disruptions, only 12% of employees report such issues to management, highlighting a communication gap and a lack of conflict resolution skills in many workplaces.

The survey, which polled nearly 3,000 employees, identifies the "credit stealer" as the most problematic colleague, with 33% of respondents citing this behavior as particularly disruptive. Such conduct, where individuals take credit for others' work, erodes team morale and stifles innovation. Other common issues include micromanaging (32%), chronic complaining (30%), personal space invasion (30%), and lunch theft (27%). These behaviors collectively contribute to a challenging work environment. Interestingly, the least bothersome types of annoying co-workers were identified as the "tech illiterate," late arrivers, and those who come to work sick.

In response to these behaviors, 32% of employees reported that they simply avoid the offending colleague. Others may ask the person to change their behavior, vent to co-workers, or resort to passive aggressiveness. However, only 12% report the behavior to a manager or HR, pointing to a reluctance in addressing conflicts directly.

Peter Ďuriš, CEO, Kickresume, emphasizes that this avoidance reflects a broader issue: a lack of communication training and conflict resolution resources in today’s workplaces. This hesitation to confront issues can perpetuate a negative atmosphere, ultimately affecting both productivity and employee well-being. The survey data supports this, with only 13% of respondents reporting that annoying behavior had little to no effect on their performance; the majority experienced moderate to significant impacts on their work.

To address these challenges, Kickresume suggests that organizations should focus on fostering a culture where employees feel valued and respected. Enhancing communication and conflict resolution techniques, both in-person and remotely, can create a more supportive environment.  Nick Kamboj, CEO, Aston & James LLC, told Business News Daily, delaying conflict resolution allows resentments to fester, making it crucial to address issues immediately and transparently.

Additionally, providing professional coaching for employees who exhibit problematic behavior is seen as a crucial step in improving workplace dynamics. By proactively addressing these concerns, companies can enhance employee satisfaction and maintain a more harmonious work environment. On a practical note, maintaining personal boundaries can help employees reduce the impact of difficult interactions with co-workers. By taking such measures, both employees and employers can contribute to a healthier, more productive workplace, reports HR Dive.