5 Aggravators to Avoid at Work

By J. Mason
Online Career Tips Staff

Feel like screaming? Or maybe you want to write a scathing email back to the person who just stepped all over your toes (not literally) and took over your project? Don’t do it! If you’re having a tough time deciding where you should hold back, here’s a list of a few situations where you should save the anger for another time.

1. Email blame.
   A co-worker sent an email blaming you for a bad result from a project, and copied your boss as well as the rest of the department. Don’t get mad, get your evidence together of what you did, and pull them aside to talk it over. And if your boss gets involved take the conversation offline and keep it controlled; emotions won’t help here.
2. Salary jealousy.
   This may be a hard pill to swallow, but if someone you work with is constantly bragging about how much they make, and you suspect it’s more than you and they don’t deserve it, don’t buy into it. This isn’t your business. If it gets to the point where it interferes with work then report it to your manager, then HR. There are typically company policy’s prohibiting employees from discussing salaries.
3. Dropping the ball.
   You know who you can depend on at work, and who tends to be a slacker. If you’re stuck on a project because you’re waiting on materials I say give them the opportunity to get it to you. Don’t go directly to their boss…not only will it get them in trouble, but if they were to lose their job then the task would fall onto you. Instead tell them about the upcoming due date, if they’re not responsive then report to your boss for assistance.
4. The “work late” email.
   Not many people really want to work after hours, but we sometimes have to…especially if you’re salaried. It’s part of the paycheck and contract you signed when you started. Getting upset and telling the boss you don’t get paid enough could be fatal, or at least amount to less respect in your employers eyes.
5. The credit stealer.
   I love the phrase “don’t get mad, get glad.” I say this to myself sometimes when something doesn’t seem fair, but it’s bound to happen from time to time. Depending on what they’re taking credit for, and who is taking it, consider it a compliment for now and push on. Keep a record of your ideas, and if you’re going to share them with the credit stealer, leave a “paper” trail through email. That way if it continues to happen, and could impact a potential raise or promotion, you can step in with your evidence of what’s really going on.