One of the worst bits about getting back to the office (besides farewelling lazy Summer sleep-ins and sunny beach days), is the more-common-than-not requirement to work with people you hate. Whether it’s a gossipy co-worker or a colleague with an inappropriate sense of humour, here are some easy tips to help you better work with people you really don’t like. Without handing in your resignation letter…
1. Channel your inner zen master
Before you send a scathing email reply or rehearse your sarcastic comeback, pause. Breathe. And, pretend you’re sipping an Aperol Spritz in sunny Sorrento, instead of sitting in the Monday morning meeting from hell. Staying calm when someone’s annoying you isn’t just good for office harmony; it’s also good for your blood pressure. If you need a little extra support, invest in noise-cancelling headphones – they’re a game-changer for selective listening.
2. Set boundaries like a pro
That colleague who loves to overshare? Or the one who assumes you’re free to cover their tasks at 4:55 PM? Time to set some polite but firm boundaries. A simple, “I’m a bit swamped, let’s revisit this later,” works wonders. You’re not a doormat, and saying no (gracefully) doesn’t make you the office villain – it makes you smart.
3. Play the politeness game
When in doubt, kill them with kindness. Not literally (HR would frown on that), but a smile and a professional tone can diffuse tension faster than you think. Politeness is your secret weapon – it’s impossible to argue with someone who’s calm, composed, and kind. Plus, it’ll drive your office nemesis absolutely nuts.
4. Focus on the bigger picture
Remember why you’re there – whether it’s for the paycheck, the promotion, or the free Friday snacks. Let your goals be your guide. If dealing with a difficult coworker is just a small part of your day, don’t let it overshadow everything else. Picture yourself achieving your dream career while they’re still trying to figure out how the printer works.
5. Laugh it off … (but not to their face!)
Humour is your best friend. Find the ridiculousness in the situation and let it entertain rather than irritate you. That overly loud laugh? That email full of typos? Sometimes, it’s easier to laugh than to fume. Just make sure the laughing happens privately – or with someone you trust. (And no, Karen from HR doesn’t count.)
