Job no-gos: These behaviors endanger the working atmosphere

Unfriendliness creates distance

Politeness forms the basis for harmonious cooperation. A simple “Good morning” or “Hello” signals respect and belonging. Anyone who omits these small gestures can quickly be perceived as distant or aloof, which has a negative impact on the working atmosphere. Being friendly with each other not only strengthens the feeling of togetherness, but can also increase motivation and productivity in the team. Mutual appreciation and respectful communication are essential factors for successful collaboration. Particularly during stressful work phases, care should be taken to maintain a respectful and friendly attitude despite possible hectic times.

Noise as a disruptive factor in the office

Be it phone calls, conversations with colleagues or typing on the keyboard – noise can quickly become a problem. Consideration is particularly important in open-plan offices, as loud conversations or frequent phone calls can significantly impair colleagues’ concentration. Background noise can not only reduce productivity, but can also cause stress and lead to long-term dissatisfaction within the team. Telephone calls should, if possible, be made in separate rooms. In meetings or discussions, it is advisable to ensure that your voice volume is appropriate. It should also be a matter of course to use headphones when playing music so as not to disturb anyone.

Smelling foods are an underestimated nuisance

The lunch break offers a welcome opportunity to relax, but not all foods are suitable for consumption in the office. Foods that smell particularly strong, such as garlic, fish or exotic spices, can cause dissatisfaction among colleagues and have an unpleasant effect on the working environment. If you consciously decide to eat foods with strong smells, you should make sure to eat them in a separate dining area. According to nettolohn.de, the smell of certain foods can linger in closed rooms for a long time, which makes colleagues feel disturbed. Treating shared workspaces respectfully also means taking other people’s smell perceptions into consideration.

Duzen or Siezen – the right tone counts

Not everyone is comfortable with the familiar “you,” especially when used without prior consultation. In many companies, being on first name terms is part of the culture, but an unasked change can be perceived as disrespectful. Especially in more formal industries or with superiors, a hasty first-name approach can appear unprofessional and reduce distance that should actually be maintained. According to Prokontex, it is advisable to take the company’s practices into account and pay attention to whether the “you” is already established or should only be offered. In uncertain situations, it can be helpful to follow the language used by others or to ask for a neutral introduction before using a direct address.

Mispronounced names as a sign of lack of appreciation

A name is an important part of identity and should be pronounced and spelled correctly. Not making the effort to remember a colleague’s name correctly can signal disinterest or disrespect. Especially in international teams where names may be unfamiliar or difficult to pronounce, it shows appreciation to make a conscious effort to pronounce them correctly. If you are unsure, it is advisable to ask politely or think of mnemonics to help you remember the name.

Backbiting poisons the working atmosphere

Talking about colleagues behind their backs destroys trust and leads to conflict. Negative comments or rumors can spread quickly and make collaboration difficult. Especially in teams that rely on close cooperation, constant gossip can create a toxic working atmosphere and lead to increased fluctuation. If you have disagreements with a person, you should seek a direct conversation instead of making negative comments behind their back.

Editorial team finanzen.net