Sure, we all make mistakes at work. We’re human. But sometimes we see repeat offenses that are just too much. It doesn’t matter if you’re a new employee or a seasoned manager—these incredibly common office blunders are serious workplace no-nos.

Are you guilty? It’s time to ‘fess up!

1) Taking credit that isn’t yours. Ever been on the receiving end of this? Then you know how much it sucks. There are actually evil coworkers (and bosses) that do this on purpose. Really??? It’s just not cool, and bound to come back and bite you in the you-know-what.

2) Disrupting the flow. Every office has its own atmosphere, some livelier than others. But it is still a workplace. And that means people need to work. So playing music loudly, or talking on the phone at an above-average volume, or conducting an impromptu foosball tournament, is probably going to tick somebody off. Simply be considerate of those around you.

3) Bad email habits. Let’s face it—this is the way that we communicate in the workplace. And it will be for the foreseeable future. I’m consistently baffled by some of the nonsensical emails I receive. Learn how to write a clear, succinct, readable email. YES, no matter what you do for a living.

4) Constant negativity. Is there anything worse than someone who spends all day miserable? Working with (or for) someone who seems convinced that every project is doomed for failure does not generally lead a team to great results. Same goes for people that complain about their jobs all day, while at work. It’s uncomfortable for everyone else who is stuck with you. Try a job search on Workopolis if you’re that unhappy.

 

5) Pee on the toilet seat. It’s one of the workplaces great mysteries, isn’t it? Well somebody is doing it, because we’ve all seen it there. Not cool. EVER.

6) Booking unnecessary meetings. They are a necessary evil. But some people (and you know who you are) just take it too far.  I’m convinced that half the meetings I’ve ever attended wasted more time than helped things along.  They shouldn’t be your first line of communication with people. That’s why we have email. And cell phones. Are you guilty of booking excessive meetings? Check out these top 10 time wasters that make people hate meetings.

 

7) Not admitting when you’re wrong. I know this can be difficult. But don’t we all make mistakes? The number one sign of a highly respectable colleague or boss is someone who is able to step back and accept responsibility.

I also asked a random sample of my friends and colleagues about the worst or most annoying things that people do at work. Here are a few notable responses I received:

• Sending an email, then calling two seconds after asking if you got the email

• Clipping your nails at work (Unbelievably, I actually had 5 or 6 people mention this one. Eww. )

• Not showing up

• Gum cracking

• Gossiping blatantly in front of people

• Stinky, smelly lunches
What poor workplace habits get on your nerves?