Here's why co-workers are the greatest workplace distraction

A gloomy work environment adversely affects your productivity.

“Stay away from colleagues who drain your time and energy with their complaining,” says Mona Cheriyan, COO and head of human resources, Thomas Cook India.

Many workplaces abound with people who easily indulge in double-crossing to get to the top.

“There are employees who may appear charming and charismatic but utilise manipulation to get things done,” says Nishchae Suri, partner and head of people and change advisory at KPMG in India.

For every employee who does his or her best to ensure a project is executed well, there will always be another one who calls in sick on the day of a major presentation.

“Such employees leave you taking the flak for their actions,” says Cheriyan, adding, “If the situation doesn’t improve, don’t feel guilty about talking to your boss.”

Snide comments and uncalled-for jibes by colleagues can distract you from your work.

The solution? Keep your calm.

“The existence of passive-aggressive behavioural patterns can damage the reputational control and ethics fabric of an organisation,” says Suri.

Imagine trying to write an important document with a colleague bragging about his achievements and skills.

It’s difficult to get work done when someone forces you to endure elaborate stories about themselves.

Deal with it by “learning to adjust your own emotional response and focusing on your tasks,” says Suri.