Figures compiled on behalf of the online professional network LinkedIn show that office occupants from different parts of the globe often have different standards in terms of acceptable workplace behaviour.
Indians have the most grievances and Italians the least but the leading point of irritation for office workers the world over is instances of co-workers failing to “take ownership” of their actions.
Understandably, bosses quizzed as part of the study cited staff showing up late for meetings as one of their biggest causes of aggravation.
A total of 17,000 people took part in the poll that found Americans were the most concerned about their food being eaten by colleagues and that Brazilians were the least impressed with “excessive gossiping” in their offices.
LinkedIn’s Connections director Nicole Williams said: “In nearly every office there’s at least one co-worker whose quirks drive colleagues up the cubicle wall.
“Sometimes the most irritating office offenders don’t even realise that their behaviour impacts the rest of their team. It is crucial for you to solve the annoyance before it disrupts your work performance and career.”
LinkedIn boasts 120 million users worldwide. Its headquarters are in the Silicon Valley area of Los Angeles and it now has offices of its own in sites across North America, Europe and Asia.
Hopes that London will one day establish a reputation for technology start-ups to rival America’s famous Silicon Valley received a boost recently when Google said it will rent out office space in the east of the city to ambitious fledgling companies in the industry.