Fast Company Daily How to deal with annoying peers
Nov 25, 2025
Explore how annoying coworkers impact both workflow and workplace enjoyment. Discover the importance of guiding newcomers on social norms to foster a more inclusive environment. Learn strategies for addressing distrust with colleagues through direct confrontation and minimizing engagement. Gain insights on navigating social awkwardness by befriending neurodivergent peers and providing candid feedback. Lastly, consider self-reflection, as it might just be you who’s the source of annoyance!
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Norms Drive Many Annoyances
- Annoying colleagues often stem from misunderstandings about office social norms rather than malice.
- Proactively coaching new or remote hires on expectations gives you agency and reduces friction.
Coach New Colleagues Directly
- Offer to give feedback and heads-ups to help new colleagues learn expected behaviors.
- Be proactive in guiding interactions so the person stops feeling like an unavoidable irritation.
Trust Shapes Team Dynamics
- A lack of trust makes collaboration painful and turns normal interactions into sources of anxiety.
- Address observable behaviors first, since motives are often unknown and fixing actions can restore trust.