When Coworkers are Rude
It is not easy having to deal with a co-worker's bad manners. Co-workers with bad manners can be quite annoying to work with and can severely affect the productivity, focus and precision of other workers. Co-workers with bad manners do not take the feelings and considerations of other people into account. They expect others to put up with their annoying habits which is not right, especially in the work place.
Bad manners include speaking loudly, swearing, not washing properly, wearing dirty clothing to work, eating on duty, playing loud music while working and disturbing the peace, rudeness and anything relating to improper conduct at the office.
Here are some ways to help deal with a co worker's bad manners:
Perception plays an important part in trying to figure out if a co-worker has bad manners. What might be accepted in one culture may not be accepted in another. This is where organisational culture comes into play. An organisation should have a culture that everyone adapts to, for example, speaking loudly in a working area should not be permitted in a specific organisation but employees can have casual chats in a designated area like an employee lounge.
Communication is vital when trying to deal with a co-worker's bad manners. The coworker's manners should be discussed in person with him/her and at the end of the discussion a compromise should be reached. The problem can only be taken to higher authorities like supervisors if the coworker has not resolved his/her behaviour. The manager can then try and mediate the issue and an agreement can be reached or the co-worker can be moved to another department.
Bad manners can be sorted out. It is up to us to have faith in our colleagues that they can resolve their bad behaviour patterns and become part of the team and be a pleasure to work with. Colleagues need to have an open mind and think positively that their co-workers can change and improve their behavior.
Do not get angry when in a 'tight squeeze' with a coworker who has bad manners. Walk away from the situation and return when calmer. Take a few deep breaths in and try to squeeze a stress ball if you are unable to leave the area. Write the incident down in a diary and include the date and time of the incident. Politely and assertively speak to the coworker about the incident when calmer. Co-workers who do not listen need to be reported to a higher authority. Evidence can also be used, like witnesses and photography, for example, if the coworker was eating while working and left the place dirty.
