Wild reason Aussies are quitting their jobs

A new survey has found 30 per cent of Aussies have quit their jobs for one reason.

Let’s face it, we’ve all dealt with annoying co-workers in the workplace at one point or another in our lives.

According to the job search website Indeed, around 31 per cent of Australian workers would rather have a tooth extracted than socialise with a colleague outside of work.

Indeed career coach Sally McKibbin told news.com.au it was “quite concerning” that so many people would rather face the dentist’s chair than spend personal time with a workmate.

“Those types of things can really lead to work being disrupted and the impact that has on the business in terms of productivity, engagement and people staying,” she said.

“One of the findings that came out of this [survey] was 30 per cent of people have resigned based on some of their colleague’s behaviours.

“That’s a huge amount of people and a huge amount of turnover in your business that could come from these annoying colleagues.”

Indeed career coach Sally McKibbin. Picture: Supplied

So, what makes a co-worker unbearable?

The research found that the top five annoying behaviours were poor personal hygiene, gossiping, being messy, talking over people and invading personal space.

Ms McKibbin said there are ways to manage your pesky workmate’s behaviour.

“Have a conversation with your colleague or with your manager to help address some of these issues,” she said.

“As a manager, some of the things you could do is have quiet hours or designated spaces for quiet work so people don’t get interrupted.

“[For] hygiene – workplace showers, toiletries in the bathroom and shared spaces. Businesses being able to provide those is a really great thing.

“Holding some regular team building activities to help encourage collaboration but also strengthen connections so that people do feel more confident in having those types of discussions.”

One of the annoying behaviours was gossiping. Picture: iStock

Ms McKibbin said her best advice to dealing with an annoying workmate is to have clear communication with them while remaining calm and respectful.

“More often than not, that person’s not trying to be annoying,” she said.

“We all have quirks and different ways of behaving, and so what’s normal behaviour for one person may be really annoying for somebody else.

“Make sure you’re treating each other with respect when you’re bringing up those conversations and being really aware of other people’s feelings.

“If that behaviour does persist and is really intolerable or having a significant impact on your work, you may then have to escalate that beyond your manager to somebody like HR for a resolution.

“But, definitely think about having those types of open communication before you start.”

Despite the gripes, the study found the top five personality traits workers admired the most in a colleague were being reliable, honest, hardworking, a team player, and good humoured.

Originally published as Wild reason Aussies are quitting their jobs