The Office ‘Icks’ of 2024: Survey Reveals Workplace Habits That Annoy UK Employees the Most

A recent BizSpace online poll of 2,000 UK office workers asked the question: what’s the one office habit that gets on your wick in 2024? Respondents were asked to choose the workplace behaviour that most annoys them in today’s office.
With more people back in shared spaces, the little things that used to be ignored are now centre of the conversation. From vaping indoors to loud phone calls, the survey reveals the quirks and habits that really get everyone’s goat.
Top Office ‘Icks’ of 2024
Leaving the Kitchen Dirty: 25% of respondents said dirty communal kitchens are the biggest annoyance. Colleagues leaving crumbs, spills and dirty dishes behind have turned this shared space into a hotbed of annoyance.
Swearing in the Office: 22% of workers said excessive swearing in the office is their biggest bugbear. Many said they feel uncomfortable and want a more professional tone in the workplace.
Vaping in the Office: 20% of respondents were annoyed by indoor vaping, who said they hate the lingering vapour clouds and smells that disrupt the workspace.
Health Buffs: 18% of respondents said that health-obsessed workers who constantly bang on about their breathwork routines and other wellness habits are their top office ick.
Personal Calls on Speaker: 15% said taking personal calls on speaker is the most annoying habit, turning the office into an unwanted auditorium for private conversations.
Desk Lunches with Stinky Food: 12% of workers listed strong food smells as their top office ick, who can’t concentrate when pungent lunches are eaten at nearby desks.
Chewing Gum Under Desks: And finally, 8% of respondents said finding chewing gum stuck under desks is their biggest annoyance, who find it unhygienic and disrespectful.
The survey also found that while many office workers are reluctant to address these behaviours with their colleagues, younger employees (18-34) are more likely to report these irritations to management or HR than their older counterparts.
As offices change, so do employee expectations around etiquette and comfort. BizSpace, a leading flexible workspace provider, is committed to creating spaces that support productivity and respect between colleagues. In response to the survey, BizSpace is urging businesses to consider introducing etiquette workshops or “office norms” guidelines to improve the office experience.
“Going back to the office has highlighted the little things that matter most,” says a BizSpace spokesperson. “This survey is a bit of fun to get employees to think about how their habits impact others.”

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