Top 10 Office Habits That Annoy Your Boss: Are You Guilty of These?

10 Worst Office Manners That Irritate Bosses

Arriving late and leaving early: If you are one of those who arrive late at the last second but leave early or first at the end of the day, you're certainly not in your boss's good books. It will only show your disinterest in your job, which your boss doesn't like.

Abuse of sick leave: You are sick and taking leave; that's fine. If you are not sick but taking leave claiming illness, it is a really annoying thing that your boss simply hates. According to recent studies, one out of three employees who call in sick really isn't.

Intolerable cell phone behavior: Being in a meeting and having your cell phone ring repeatedly can be a major contributor to your boss's dislike towards you. Additionally, receiving multiple phone calls at work is never appropriate. Bosses also dislike employees constantly checking their cell phones while at work.

Not communicating properly: Proper communication between bosses and employees is key to success for every organization. Employees should have good communication skills; otherwise, there is a chance for the boss to become irritated. If you are unable to complete a task within the deadline, instead of ignoring your boss's reminder emails, communicate the reasons why you are unable to meet the deadline.

Lousy table manners: Bosses develop a dislike for employees who display poor table manners during a luncheon meeting with a client. Always be very careful during meetings as poor table manners can cause embarrassment in front of clients.

Over-eagerness: Bosses do not like employees who are overeager. Often, people believe that by showing overeagerness, they can attract their boss's attention and impress them with new ideas. However, it is more likely to generate disliking in their boss's mind towards them.

Unreliable: Employees who say one thing but end up doing another, and those who cannot complete assigned tasks and make excuses, are certainly not in their boss's good graces. They often create headaches for bosses.

Argumentative towards the boss: If you believe you should argue for your rights with your boss, think twice. This could be a good reason for them to dislike you. Even arguing with your co-workers can create trouble for you. Being argumentative is a big no-no.

Clumsy appearance: Always maintain good hygiene when coming to the office. Dress yourself properly. Bosses do not like employees who do not maintain proper hygiene.

Talking about personal problems: Bosses tend to dislike employees who endlessly talk about their personal problems to them or even to their co-workers. Stop doing that, or it will create dislike in your boss's mind towards you.

With reference to your post, I would like to update you on two points mentioned below.

Overeagerness

- Not every boss in this world will hate overeagerness if they have the ability to understand their employees. You will find two types of employees in this regard: 1) those who are eager to perform beyond their limits, hence showing overeagerness, and 2) those who love buttering up their boss just to attract and win their attention.

- Very few bosses want their employees to be more enthusiastic, exert high energy levels, and perform beyond their limits.

- There are many organizations that welcome new ideas, and based on their feasibility, they are embraced practically. To an extent, overeagerness is a productive habit. Every habit (action initiated) has positive and negative effects. A boss has to study before reacting or responding to the situation.

Talking About Personal Problems

- It is a very good habit of a good boss to formally ask an employee, "How is your family doing," not just for courtesy reasons but to bridge the gap between employee and employer. Again, such an approach has its own limitations as well.

- If an employee is habitual about discussing their personal problems with their boss or co-workers, then it is considered a weakness. However, a boss has to find the best way (counseling, motivation) to change such habits of their employees.

- To my knowledge, a true and honest boss will help their employees overcome their personal problems by supporting them proportionately. It will be within the individual's (boss's) capacity and limits.

- There are many employees who always expect various kinds of help from their boss, especially those with high emotional feelings.

Not to mention, most experienced employees are very smart (even wise) as they know how to deal with various situations.

With profound regards,

Thank you for your reply. I think my explanation on overeagerness was similar to what you explained in your second point: "Who loves buttering up his boss just to attract and win their attention." Regarding the topic of discussing personal problems, my explanation was that such an approach has its own limitations, as you mentioned in your updates.

I have listed 10 points that irritate bosses and why bosses may dislike enthusiastic employees. It's essential to build a bridge between employees and employers.

Thanks,
Regards,
Smita

Dear Smita,

To understand why bosses might dislike enthusiastic employees, you need to consider the true attitude of bosses as a whole (looking at both sides of the coin - head and tail).

Please consider these points:

1. Either a boss will help the organization to grow by taking the support of his best team, or
2. Employees will do their best for their organization, but they need support from their boss, or else they will fail.

a) There are certain bosses who feel that enthusiastic and overly eager employees are trying to do something fruitful (in favor of the company), which they either hate to do as they ignore the problems or are not capable of doing it.
b) However, a boss may never feel that his employee is trying to simplify the whole process, sort out issues, and do something in the interest/favor of both the employee and employer (boss). This is because an inferiority (egoistic nature) complex develops in bosses, making them feel insecure.
c) It's very difficult to find a boss who can appreciate employees' sincerity, honesty, loyalty, and their love towards their company/organization's growth.
d) Ninety percent of employees tend to compromise with their skills/talent, as they need a job to meet their commitments, and they will just carry on with the responsibility. On the other hand, only 10% of employees do their best for their company by attempting to change many things at different levels. This may include bringing drastic changes in the boss's attitude (a lot more can be considered and included). For such employees, it may cost them their job.

As you gain experience, I sincerely hope you will learn more about bosses' attitudes in the near future.

With profound regards,