Employee handbooks provide the blueprint for learning how to handle virtually every type of situation that arises in the workplace. You learn how to confront sexual harassment, as well as the proper way to file employee grievances. Pay periods, work schedules, and workplace grooming also comprise part of the comprehensive employee handbook. You even learn how to move up in the company by reading the employee handbook. For all of its information, employee handbooks leave out one crucial topic: How to handle a hot coworker. Avoid Embarrassing Yourself Outside of a drool cup, there really isn't anything physical that helps you learn how to deal with a hot coworker. Science has not yet developed a tool that prevents your eyes from bugging out like one of Hanna Barbara's cartoon characters. Yet, you can take steps to avoid embarrassing your self around a hot coworker. First, when you notice the hot coworker strolling through the office, keep your head down and count to 10. No, … [Read more...] about HOW TO HANDLE A HOT COWORKER
Coworkers
5 Ways to Stay out of the Hair of a Combative Coworker
The workplace is crawling with a menagerie of characters. The quiet one in the corner who only comes alive at the office Christmas party. The “Good Morning!” guy, the dude who is way too loud and boisterous for 8 o’clock in the morning. And the one with a chip on their shoulder and a persecution complex, always itching for an argument. That erratic behavior may seem irrational, but it can sometimes be an actual strategy, developed over years to keep people at bay. Angry outbursts and aggressive behavior can provide a substantial defense shield for the insecure. That is generally what you are up against when faced with a contentious colleague. Here are some strategies for dealing with that type of headache. Embrace the Inane Small talk may be the last thing you want to engage in with anyone, be it your morning coffee connection or your co-worker. But embracing and getting better at the art of talking about nothing can keep you in a decent relationship with even the most backstabby … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Stay out of the Hair of a Combative Coworker
Cool Gifts for Coworkers – Unique Ideas for the Holidays
Are you looking for gifts for coworkers that are original and fun? Then you have come to the right place! You see, we know perfectly well from our own experience that no one appreciates one more notebook, pencil holder or bottle of wine. All those items, that are typical office gifts, have been around for so long that they are now just plain boring. If you want to find cool gifts for coworkers, you will need to be a bit more creative. Luckily for you, we love lists and we have made one just for you with the coolest, yet work-appropriate choices of gifts. … [Read more...] about Cool Gifts for Coworkers – Unique Ideas for the Holidays
Coworker Gift Ideas: Cool Tape Dispensers
No matter what type of desk job you have, funny office supplies can help lighten the mood, and are a great coworker gift idea. What all jobs have in common, is the use of tape. Things will tear, things need to be kept together, things need to be masked. And that is why cool tape dispensers are a great gift for coworkers! Following is a list of fun tape dispenser that are suitable for different work environments and coworkers with different tastes and personalities. You will surely find something that suits your needs. Here is our list of funny office supplies, specifically, today we will look at cool tape dispensers. … [Read more...] about Coworker Gift Ideas: Cool Tape Dispensers
SodaStream at the Office Gets a Sparkling Response
Sometimes I see things that make me sad I'm an adult. It could be a new toy. Or perhaps an animated movie. Maybe a candy bar. So when the SodaStream first hit store shelves, I was beside myself. It was a childhood dream come true: unlimited soda, any flavor, anytime. Almost too much for me to process. With a relatively new baby at home and enough juvenile antics and gadgets to convince anyone I'm 13 (I'm in my 30s!), I knew bringing the SodaStream in through the front door was a no-no. And that's when I had a light bulb moment. Since the SodaStream does not require any electricity, I would not be violating company policy if I brought it into work with me. And this is how I instantly became the hero of the week! … [Read more...] about SodaStream at the Office Gets a Sparkling Response
How to Get Your Coworkers to Like You
Getting your coworkers to like you depends on many variables. Some of these variables you can control, such as your own behavior, and others, such as the mindset of your coworkers, can't be controlled. Some variables simply depend upon you react. In this article, we will explore a few of the different ways that you can bring even the “toughest cookie” around to your side. Keep this key fact in mind; you may be able to get most of your coworkers to like, you but people are complex, flawed and, yes, sometimes completely horrible. There may be occasions where the best you can hope for is to get a coworker or coworkers to leave you alone. That aside, in most situations, you will be able to successfully get your coworkers to like you. Step One-Be Persistent and Consistent People like predictability. Even people who fancy themselves as thrill-seeking maniacs like having predictable, consistent and reliable coworkers. If you are … [Read more...] about How to Get Your Coworkers to Like You
How Can You Deal with a Coworker That Is Driving You Crazy?
Knowing how to deal with a coworker that is driving you crazy is essential for your success in a company as well as your mental well-being. It will even benefit your overall health. Sooner or later you will run into a coworker that drives you insane. Ultimately, there is likely little you can do to keep this from happening. Even carefully evaluating a company before joining its ranks ultimately cannot protect you. After all, a new hire could walk through the door at any minute. This means that you need to have a strategy in advance for how to deal with a coworker that stresses you out. Step One - Neutralize Maybe you’re in luck. Perhaps your dilemma isn’t quite as bad as it seems. The first step is to pause and carefully evaluate your situation. Ask yourself important questions such as, “Can I take easy steps to minimize contact with this annoying person?” or "Are there steps I can take to reduce … [Read more...] about How Can You Deal with a Coworker That Is Driving You Crazy?
How to Make Friends at Work
From learning the company’s standards to adapting your daily commute, starting a new job can be difficult for a variety of reasons. However, one of the more difficult aspects of changing jobs is making new friends at work. Whether you’re trying to earn acceptance into a solidly-formed clique at work or are worried about being disliked, the following are five tried and true ways to make friends at work. Get out There Cowering in your cubicle at work all day will achieve the exact opposite of what you desire if you want to make friends at work. To begin building relationships with your coworkers, you must get out from behind your work desk and socialize with others. From the break room to the boardroom, there are plenty of opportunities to interact with coworkers and to begin building friendships with them. Be Genuine A natural instinct most people feel while getting to know others is to be overly nice or super enthusiastic. While you should come across to your coworkers as … [Read more...] about How to Make Friends at Work
How to Show Condolences to a Coworker
Unfortunately, it is likely that you will eventually need to express sympathy to a colleague after they experience the loss of a loved one. You may not be called upon to attend a funeral, but as a good coworker, you should be ready to extend your condolences. Death is a sensitive subject for most, but there are number of ways you can help make the office a more comfortable place during a tragic period. Here are a few ways to offer condolences to a coworker in need. Easy Exchange The simplest way to show your condolences is to just come out and say it. Tell him or her you are sorry for his or her loss. A hug may be too strong of a gesture, but a soft pat on the back can be an easy exchange of kindness. If your coworker wants to talk about his or her experience, lend an ear. If he or she wants to keep his or her feelings private, respect his or her wishes. Either way, your coworker will feel comforted by your kind words and offerings of support. Leave a Token in Their Office Even if … [Read more...] about How to Show Condolences to a Coworker
What to Do When an Irritating Coworker Drives You Up the Wall
Have you ever had a coworker who just won't stop talking while you're trying to concentrate? How about a manager who constantly criticizes your best efforts, just for the sake of asserting their authority? When it comes to irritating colleagues, almost everyone can relate. Although work relationships are not marriages -- you (probably) won't be dealing with your current coworkers for the rest of your life -- the same problem-solving and give-and-take techniques that make home relationships work can be utilized in an office or workplace. Whatever your current situation, following these maxims will help smooth out the problem and bring your work life back to level ground. Positivity Wins You catch more flies with honey than vinegar -- that is, if you're into catching flies. But whenever someone is annoying you (i.e., using earphones cranked as loud as speakers or hogging the copy machine), getting upset will just raise your blood pressure and theirs. Enter every situation with a … [Read more...] about What to Do When an Irritating Coworker Drives You Up the Wall