The 10 Things I Hate About You

So the company I work for, MarketingProfs, is a virtual company, which means that the 25 or so of us on staff are scattered throughout the country, working out of our respective homes. In a practical sense, this means we can shuffle around in our slippers at the "office." But the downside is that our work lives are solitary and can feel a wee bit lonely, and we don't get a lot of time together as a team. But to that last point... well, is that such a bad thing?

From what I hear from those who actually work in offices, quarters can get a little cramped at times. Your co-workers leave the kitchen a mess, or they talk too loudly on the phone, or whatever. Recognize any of this?

1.Eating food that belongs to someone else. Or, chowing down on food others bring in to share, but never bringing the donuts yourself.

2.Talking too loud on the phone, especially about non-work stuff. Details of a doctor's appointment, chat with your spouse... Take it outside.

3.Eating stinky food. I have two words for this one: Burnt popcorn. Wait: here's two more: Fast food.

4."Borrowing" supplies and never returning them. This leads to controlling behavior, like marking things like tape dispensers and staplers with name-tags, as if they are going to sleep-away camp.

5.Playing a radio loud enough for others to hear. Especially: Playing it *just* loud enough, so it presents as a persistent, tinny sound, like a mosquito loitering near your ear.

6.Not keeping cell phones on vibrate, particularly when it's "The Mexican Hat Dance" rendered in ring tone.

7.Using the speakerphone gratuitously.

8.Shouting conversation over cubicles.

9.Playing with iPhones or Blackberrys during meetings.

10.Not taking a hint. Yes, my weekend was fine, thanks, and we've now covered every inch of yours, too. Now go back to your own desk and get work done, okay?

Adapted from and inspired by from Mental Floss and Forbes.

What else would you add?

Ann Handley also writes about work, culture and life at A n n a r c h y.