Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky and the late Apple cofounder Steve Jobs might sing phrases of reward for hands-on leaders (in any other case referred to as micromanagers). However most staff have a really completely different title for the individuals who hover over their shoulders: “coworkers from hell.”
A brand new survey of just about 3,000 staff by profession platform Kickresume discovered that the overwhelming majority of staff have at the least one deeply annoying colleague—and micromanagers are ranked proper close to the very high of the listing.
Whereas Chesky argued that Jobs proved being “in the details” can truly be a present to high expertise—extra like partnering than policing. And that the correct of obsessive boss, he urged, can fast-track choices, elevate the bar, and speed up a rising star’s profession.
For the common employee, that’s simply not how micromanagement feels.
“It’s hard to feel capable and motivated when someone is always second-guessing your every move,” the report warned. “This sort of oversight typically results in resentment and might take a severe toll on productiveness.
It’s why over a 3rd of respondents named micromanagers as essentially the most insufferable within the workplace.
These are the 5 traits staff say are the worst
Ultimately, Kickresume analysis discovered that 85% of staff have struggled with an annoying colleague—with micromanagers overwhelmed (solely by 1%) by coworkers who steal their thunder for the title of worst particular person to share an workplace with.
- Credit score stealer. If you put within the arduous work, however another person takes the glory. The researchers say it undermines group spirit and creates a poisonous atmosphere during which individuals really feel undervalued and unsafe sharing their progressive concepts.
- Micromanager. Sabotages self-confidence and might result in resentment and decrease productiveness.
- Persistent complainer. “Their constant negativity can become infectious, spreading gloom and lowering overall morale,” the report outlines.
- Private house intruder. Hovering over desks or listening in on non-public conversations makes the office really feel intrusive and disrupts staff’ sense of privateness and luxury.
- Lunch thief. That is extra than simply petty high-school behaviour to be disregarded. “The lunch thief doesn’t just take your meal, they steal your trust and peace of mind,” the report warns. “This inconsiderate behavior forces everyone to be more guarded, creating an atmosphere of suspicion and frustration.”
The hidden toll of micromanagers, credit score stealers and different ‘coworkers from hell’
Annoying colleagues aren’t simply an workplace in-joke—they modify how individuals present as much as work. Practically 60% of staff in Kickresume’s survey mentioned tough coworkers considerably undermine their productiveness, whether or not that’s by derailing their focus, losing time, or forcing them to overthink each interplay.
Micromanagers, specifically, chip away at autonomy, making succesful adults really feel like they’re always underneath evaluate fairly than being trusted to do their jobs
It’s little shock, then, that many staff’ first intuition is to withdraw. Round a 3rd say they cope by distancing themselves from annoying colleagues altogether, fairly than addressing the problem head-on.
Which may protect short-term peace, nevertheless it additionally fuels a extra fragmented office, the place individuals collaborate much less, share fewer concepts, and quietly keep away from the very relationships which are alleged to make groups stronger.
However ultimately, staff can solely put up with a lot. Steal individuals’s concepts, breathe down their necks, hover over their desks one too many instances, and it rapidly backfires.
One in ten will vent to their coworkers about you, quietly eroding your popularity and affect. In the meantime, the 12% will go straight to the highest (or failing that, HR) to report you. And a staggering 41% are dreaming up methods to place an finish to your profession for good, together with getting you fired.
