Workplace Icks: Navigating Disruptive Behaviours and Minor Irritations in the Office

Hey there, welcome back to "Working On It," the podcast that dives into all things workplace with your hosts, Lauren Spearman and Molly Johnson-Jones.

Today, we're having a fun yet oh-so-relatable chat about "workplace icks"—those little habits and behaviours in the office that just get under your skin.

We’ll be sharing tips on how to handle these annoyances without making things awkward. Ever had a colleague who always talks too loudly? Turns out, addressing these things directly but gently can really help. Lauren’s got a story about exactly that—where simply asking someone to lower their voice led to a surprisingly positive reaction.

We’ll also be throwing in a few stats, like how 53% of workers find loud talking the most distracting behaviour. And let’s be real, we all have things that bug us—like those loud personal calls during work hours. We’ll help you figure out what's a minor annoyance and what's actually disrupting your work groove.

Adding humour in the mix can work wonders, too. For example, pointing out someone making eye contact while eating a banana on a call might just get the message across more smoothly than you'd think.

We’ll get into our own personal icks, share real-life stories, and talk about strategies to handle them like a pro. And don't forget to stick around because next time we’re diving into the chaos and fun of work Christmas parties!

So kick back and get ready to laugh and learn with us here on "Working On It." Let’s tackle those workplace icks together!

Key Points:

00:00 "'The ick' got trendy from Love Island."

03:35 Office romances are now pretty common.

08:50 "Can't stand when companies say 'we're family.'"

10:04 Most people prefer texts over surprise calls.

15:44 Icks are strong but usually forgivable annoyances.

18:15 Discuss if tech distractions hurt your focus.

20:50 Long emails, short names get reactions, LOL.

25:26 Icks are personal; talk it out gently.

29:42 Laugh off icks, keep it light and friendly.

31:23 Ask about communication style for better communication.

34:54 Bring it up casually to avoid drama.

37:19 Romantic vs. workplace behaviour—different vibes.

Hosts Bio

Lauren Spearman brings a wealth of experience from her career in advertising, social media, and brand strategy to her current role advocating for salary transparency and flexible working conditions. Her journey, marked by her advocacy on TikTok against unfair hiring practices, has made her a champion for creating better work environments. Lauren’s unique perspective as a freelancer, balancing work with personal commitments, adds a rich, authentic layer to every discussion.

https://www.tiktok.com/@spearmanlauren

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenspearman/

Molly Johnson-Jones, at the helm of Flexa Careers, is transforming how companies and individuals approach flexible working. With a platform that empowers millions to find roles that fit their desired working environments, Molly’s insights on the future of work, DEI, and employer branding are indispensable for anyone looking to navigate or shape the modern workplace. Her frequent speaking engagements on these topics bring cutting-edge perspectives and actionable advice to the podcast.

https://www.tiktok.com/@mollyjohnsonjones

https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-johnson-jones/

Workplace Icks: Navigating Disruptive Behaviours and Minor Irritations in the Office

Key Points:

Hosts Bio

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