7 things that piss off the office and what to do about it

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Lifehacker and Xerox share how to beat a naughty printer, end stealing food from a shared refrigerator, and focus if colleagues are constantly discussing nonsense.

1. Endless chatter of colleagues

First, they share their plans for Friday, then talk about their household chores, then move on to discussing pressing problems - you can't just go and tell how the clients got them. Guys, you are in the office, people come here to work. Some, at least.

What to do

Asking for a low chatter and using headphones can accomplish more than simply asking you to chat low. Headphones are generally a kind of "Stop" sign for lovers of communication. Of course, they will not save you from especially annoying ones, but at least you tried.

If talkative colleagues continue to share their valuable opinions on all issues of being in general chats, it makes sense to disable notifications in these chats. Something really important will appear there - you will find out about it anyway.

2. Stuffiness or eternal drafts

Even if you close only two people in a small room with a window, one will definitely be too hot, and the other too cold. What to say about a big office? The battles of supporters of coolness and people who are always blown are an inevitable part of the work process.

What to do

Several adults can surely come to a compromise. Swap places with a colleague if you have nothing to breathe, and he is constantly freezing because he sits under the air conditioner. Periodically arrange airing in an empty office - at the same time, you can take a walk and warm up.

3. Stealing food from a shared refrigerator

It sounds so-so, but you can't get away from the truth: in many offices, for some reason, it is customary to ignore the existence of private property. Is there a bag of apples in the fridge? The refrigerator is common, which means that the apples are common. When the owner of the ill-fated package decides to have a snack, a surprise awaits him: someone has already appreciated the stored fruit. Enrages? And how.

What to do

We don't take ideas like mixing laxatives into food seriously: even office thieves shouldn't be treated so cruelly. Sign your food containers or place stickers to make it clear who owns the fruit bag or lunchbox. Lunchboxes, by the way, can be wrapped in foil. If you do not see what is inside, the temptation to profit from someone else's dinner disappears.

4. The mess in the kitchen

The ease with which some people deal with life can only be envied. Wash your mug after you or wipe the crumbs off the table? What more. Just a couple of such colleagues are enough for chaos to reign in the office kitchen.

What to do

Hard case. There are two options: either conduct preventive conversations by persuading others to clean up after a meal, or post a notice urging people to keep clean in public areas. An announcement at the table, an announcement at the sink, an announcement on the refrigerator - the more times you remind you to clean up after yourself, the higher the chances that sooner or later people will learn to do it. It is very good if the kitchen always has a supply of wet wipes and clean sponges for washing dishes - a smelling sponge is disgusting to take in your hands, not to mention washing a mug or plate with it.

5. Mobile phones that do not have the sound signal disabled

A typical situation: a colleague went out to drink tea, and his smartphone is lying on the table and yelling. When the hero of the occasion finally returns, his roommates are already on the verge of collapse. They can be understood: when you try to concentrate on a task, loud music is not only annoying - it literally pisses you off.

What to do

It's obvious: mute the sound. Or at least put the smartphone in vibration mode: the buzzing with which the device crawls across the table is much less annoying than a ringtone. Normal respect for others, nothing supernatural. And yes, if you need to talk on the phone, leave the office - everyone will only be grateful to you.

6. Empty kettle

Moreover, it is still warm. It is understandable: 15 minutes ago you filled it with water and turned it on, hoping to drink some tea, but someone had time before you. And so several times in a row.

What to do

Agree with your colleagues about a simple rule: if you empty the kettle, fill it up and turn it on. If there is a mug with a tea bag next to the kettle, pour hot water into it, take care of your neighbor.

If you can't reach an understanding, start a thermo mug. In it, the drink remains hot for a long time, so the need to run after a new portion of boiling water will arise less often.

7. Poor printing printer

Admit it, you, too, at least once wanted to kick the printer heartily, which once again screwed up an important document? The war on office equipment is extremely funny, but pointless. Instead of being indignant in vain, try to figure out what the problem is.

What to do

How long has your printer been naughty? If so, it's time to change the cartridge. So that the printer does not infuriate as long as possible, choose high-quality consumables. For example, Xerox has XRC toner cartridges that fit most popular printer models. The resource of these cartridges is the same as that of consumables from other manufacturers (or even higher), and the cost is lower. If you regularly print, say, voluminous reports, the savings in refueling or purchasing XRC cartridges will be significant.

For color and monochrome printers and Xerox MFPs, you should choose original high-capacity cartridges. They last longer than standard cartridges and can help reduce your cost of printing.

More than 70 years ago, Xerox created the world's first cartridge; Xerox developments are used in the production of cartridges by all manufacturers of office printing equipment. The quality of Xerox products is confirmed by the research of the independent laboratory BLI, so you can rest assured: something, and the printer will no longer piss you off.