How to Deal with Rude and Pushy Co-workers

Don't lose control when confronting a problem co-worker, because it only makes matters worse.

Rude and pushy co-workers ruin the morale of a work environment. Fellow employees might decide to change jobs due to the problem worker, slowing down production and costing the company money in search of new employees. However, employers might not always recognize a problem employee. Therefore, co-workers must deal with the annoyance on their own.

Instructions

1. Prepare for work through mental and physical exercises. Wake up and do an early morning exercise such as yoga or running. Take deep, slow breaths and meditate before entering the workplace. Meditative exercises will give you the patient state of mind to ignore your co-worker's behavior.

2. Pick your battles. Is the employee really worth your energy physical and mental energy? Before confronting the employee, ask yourself why the employee seems rude or pushy. Is he really rude? Or are you imposing your own perception of how a person should act on your fellow employee? Realize not everyone has the same values, beliefs and manners as yourself.

3. Talk with the employee. Set aside a time during breaks or lunch to learn more about the employee through conversation. Maybe her rude or pushy behavior is due to a condition. If so, try to make her feel comfortable in the work environment through friendship. If not, be honest and explain in a calm voice that her behavior bothers you and other employees.

4. Take breaks when given the opportunity. You can use the time to step outside and regroup when frustrated.

5. Associate with positive employees. Ask your employer to move desks to where you can work next to employees who seem more optimistic. This helps to build a support system. Do not complain about the pushy employee in the work group, however. Maintain a positive atmosphere for the group's and your sake.

6. Plan fun office events. Pitch your ideas to human resources as a way to boost a positive office or workplace atmosphere. Events and contests also give employees a chance to learn more about each other and reconcile differences.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not place blame on the employee or act childish. This could result in physical and verbal fights. Instead, let the employee know how you feel and ask what you can both do to solve your problem. If that does not work, try the steps above or talk to human resources for further support.

References

• "USA Today"; Don't Let Annoying Co-workers Drive You Bananas; Mary Clare Jalonick; November 2002
• "Psychology Today"; All You Need to Do when Dealing with Difficult People; Donna Flagg; May 2011
• Medline Plus: Stress Management
• Helpguide: Stress at Work