Office wimps get workers' backs up

Office wimps get workers' backs up
Sandra Haurant
Friday April 2, 2004 - Guardian UK

Do you laugh at your boss's jokes even when they're rubbish? That could well be the reason none of your colleagues have invited you to lunch lately.

And if being missed out of the office lunchtime outing means you've resorted to munching your sandwiches in front of your computer, you'd better get used to eating alone.

According to a survey published today, chuckling at the boss's bad jokes and eating loudly at your desk top the poll of most irritating workplace habits, guaranteed to make your popularity plummet.

The research found that other habits sure to leave your colleagues seething included failing to restock the fax paper, speaking too loudly on the phone, noisily slurping hot drinks and recounting 'what happened at the weekend' anecdotes over and over again.

With so much workplace animosity, it's hardly surprising that, according to the survey, only 11% of people choose to socialise with their colleagues outside work.

The report also revealed that almost three-quarters of people believed they should get a substantial pay rise, while more than half (52%) thought their boss was overpaid.