"Only Monsters Do It": 30 People List Workplace Behaviors They Can't Tolerate

To gain some insight on this topic from an expert, we reached out to Wilson Calil, founder of Totempool. First, we wanted to know if Wilson had ever experienced any particularly frustrating coworkers. "When it comes to infuriating workplace behaviors, few are as infuriating and unprofessional as when a colleague appropriates others' work," he told Bored Panda.

"A person taking credit for another's work without permission or acknowledgment can damage that individual's career in the company," he explained. "Not only does it hurt their ability to be seen as valuable contributors, but it also diminishes the value of their hard-earned accomplishments."

"[Appropriating a colleague's work] is typical in corporations where professionals want to get promotions or go for higher end-of-year bonuses," Wilson noted. "In general, it comes from a project that, the major part of it, was accomplished by someone other than the person claiming credit for it. Sometimes, it can be the boss; other times can be a peer."

"For any organization to succeed in its endeavors, all employees must respect each other's contributions, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem."

We also asked Wilson how this kind of inappropriate behavior can affect morale in a work environment. "When a colleague appropriates from others' work, it can cause resentment, distrust, and decreased productivity," he told Bored Panda. "Colleagues may feel their hard work is unrecognized or their employer isn't doing enough to protect them from plagiarism. In addition, other colleagues, aware of what is happening, may also become reluctant to contribute new ideas for fear someone else will try to take credit for them."

"This type of behavior can lead to feelings of frustration and disrespect, as well as an erosion of morale and trust in the workplace. Injustice becomes apparent, and people start disliking working for the company," Wilson shared. "In most cases, the meritocracy is disbelieved, and the whole team's performance is affected. It also creates an environment where sharing information becomes risky, and communication and collaboration start to reduce." 

When it comes to addressing issues of stealing credit for other's work, Wilson says the best solution is to implement clear policies about proper attribution and recognizing each team member's unique contributions. "Employers should ensure that everyone understands these policies and that they are consistently enforced. Companies should also recognize employees who demonstrate assertive, ethical behavior and reward any creative contributions with fair compensation or recognition."

And when an employee notices behavior that is bothering them, Wilson says it's best for them to address it immediately and in a professional manner. "To start, it is important for the employee to take a step back and assess the situation objectively. It may be beneficial to discuss the issue with another colleague or supervisor if appropriate, as this can help clarify what is going on and provide additional context," he told Bored Panda.

"When addressing an issue with a colleague directly, it is crucial for employees to stay calm and collected in order to avoid escalating the situation further," Wilson says. "The goal here is for both parties involved to come up with solutions together instead of pointing fingers or assigning blame. It is also important for employees who are experiencing frustration due to their colleagues' behaviors not to jump into conclusions too hastily, but rather listen attentively before responding or taking action, so they can fully comprehend what took place." 

"Some companies have an 'open-door' policy where you can go and talk with the supervisor," Wilson told Bored Panda. "Other companies want employees to go straight to the Human Resource department to discuss the issue and get it solved. I recommend talking to the person directly and showing the points you disliked, asking for a team solution for the problem, and attributing the credit to the right people."

We were also curious what Wilson wants all employees to know about being a great colleague. "First, be sure to treat everyone with respect and courtesy," he noted. "Listen attentively during meetings and conversations, demonstrate empathy when colleagues are struggling with something, and avoid gossip or hurtful comments at all costs. Additionally, remember to give credit where credit is due! Acknowledging the achievements of others will motivate them to do even better in the future."

"Finally, look for signs of burnout among teammates or coworkers who may take on too much responsibility," Wilson added. "Offer support if needed by offering assistance in whatever capacity possible."

Finally, Wilson says, "Employees should strive to maintain a collaborative atmosphere in the workplace by demonstrating positive behaviors such as fostering collaborative problem-solving, proactively engaging with colleagues, and providing constructive feedback. [They] should be mindful of their communication style, seeking to remain respectful and courteous when dealing with each other. It is also crucial for employees to understand the importance of maintaining a sense of professionalism while ensuring that any potential conflicts are addressed through appropriate channels."

If you'd like to learn more career and marketing advice, be sure to visit Wilson's company Totempool right here.