Don’t Let Co-Workers Ruin Your Workday

 

A workplace is a mix of individual personalities all trying to coexist in a single space. Sometimes, that means being around people who occasionally (or constantly) rub you the wrong way. But just because they aren’t your favorite people in the world, that doesn’t mean you have to let a poor interaction ruin your day or even your hour. There are ways to relieve the stress associated with an environment filled with people who don’t always see eye to eye. If you aren’t sure where to begin, here are some tips to help you reclaim your day.

You Can’t Change Them, But You Can Change Your Reaction

One of the most empowering things to understand is that, even if you can’t change anything about an interaction, you can change how you react to it. Instead of letting a small annoyance build up internal stress, simply aim to see the conversation for what it is: A brief moment of your day. You don’t have to let it take over your thoughts for the next few hours, or even the next few minutes. Just let it go and move on.

Besides, would you really want to give them so much power over you they can destroy your workday by simply speaking? If your answer is no, let it go and move on.

Find What You Do Like

Another important thing to realize is not everyone is going to get along; that’s simply a fact of life. However, that doesn’t mean that everyone can’t offer something positive even if you typically don’t have much in common.

Instead of focusing on the negative parts of the relationship, consider actively noticing the positive. Over time, you may be able to condition yourself to notice the challenging parts of the interactions less and the positive portions more. You may even build a fairly strong working relationship and a general rapport. In the end, that will make every workday more enjoyable knowing that, even if you wouldn’t traditionally choose to converse with them, you can when the job requires it.

Consider Starting a Conversation About It

Sometimes people simply aren’t aware that their habits disturb those around them. For example, a co-worker who is always using speaker phone or barges into your workspace for a chat even if you are busy might not actually know they are bothering you. Instead of letting the stress build up, consider expressing your frustrations in a constructive way. Additionally, make sure to offer solutions and not just complain about the problem.

For example, for a co-worker who interrupts your work, consider agreeing on a signal that lets them know when you are or are not available for a chat. That way you can create a system that works for you both without expressly placing blame.

Consider Moving On

In some cases, there isn’t much that can be done to manage a negative relationship. In cases where your best efforts aren’t yielding results, or the environment has gone from challenging to toxic, it could be time to look for new employment opportunities in your field. If you are interested in exploring new job option in your area, the professionals at The Advance Group are here to help. Contact us to see what is available in your field today and see if a new workplace is exactly what you need to get the joy back in your day.

 

 

Categories

Categories

Employers

Looking for hard-to-find talent? Need a great temporary employee? We’ll help you find the people you want faster.

Job Seekers

Staffing Company works with dozens of local employers, and we can shorten your search for a great job.