by ABFRLadmin | March 3, 2025
You know when you’re in the zone, typing away with your headphones on, and then you hear the dreaded “Hey, quick question!”? Your headphones were a force field. Were. If you nodded, congratulations, you’ve experienced an office pet peeve! We all have them. Some are minor hiccups; others make you reconsider your life choices. And guess what? Our colleagues didn’t hold back when asked about theirs. Ready to see what’s grinding everyone’s gears? Buckle up. It’s about to get real (and a little too relatable).
Top 10 Pet Peeves at ABFRL
1. Freezing Temperatures
Why is the office AC always set to “I’ll turn you into a kulfi” mode? One minute you’re dressed for Mumbai weather, the next you’re contemplating investing in some faux fur. Some employees swear their fingers have gone numb while typing, while others keep their jackets handy. Office meetings start with agendas and end with debates over AC settings. Pro tip: Layer up…or become a regular fixture in the warm lobby just to thaw!
2. Meetings Without Headphones – Why, Just Why?
When someone attends a call on speaker, it becomes everyone’s meeting. Suddenly, you’re involuntarily involved in a budget discussion that has nothing to do with you. It’s like those people think the entire floor should be looped in. Bonus points for the ones who add, “It’ll just be a minute!” and then proceed to hold a 20-minute strategy call. Headphones exist. Let’s use them. Your coworkers (and their sanity) will thank you.
3. Email Ghosting
Nothing haunts you like an unanswered email, especially after you’ve sent a perfectly polite follow-up. Twice. And still? Radio silence. By week two, you’re debating whether to send an email with just the subject line: “HELLO?”. A simple “Noted” can save lives (or at least deadlines). Let’s normalise responses, even if it’s just to say you need more time.
4. Meetings That Don’t Respect Time
That 15-minute catch-up morphing into an hour-long meeting? Classic. You blocked half an hour, and suddenly you’re three stories deep into someone’s weekend plans. And don’t even get us started on meetings that start late because “we’re waiting for a few more people.” Time is precious, people. Start on time, end on time. Unless snacks are involved, then we’ll reconsider!
5. The “Headphones? What Headphones?” Colleague
Headphones = “I’m busy, don’t disturb me.” And yet, some treat them like invisible accessories. You could be mid-email, typing furiously, and someone will tap your shoulder to ask about last night’s cricket match. We love your stories, we do, but maybe after work? Or at least wait until we take the headphones off?
6. Loud Talkers on Calls
It’s impressive how some voices carry across continents (and cubicles). There’s always that one person who thinks volume equals clarity. Suddenly, you know more about their client meeting than your own. But know this – if you can hear yourself echo, we definitely can. If you’re consistently the loudest voice in the room, and you’re on a call, maybe take it to a huddle space. Or the parking lot. We won’t miss you. Promise.
7. “This Could’ve Been An Email” Meetings
Gathering 10 people to discuss what could’ve been typed in two lines? Chef’s kiss of inefficiency. You sit through slides that say “refer to the email sent earlier,” and wonder why you’re sacrificing your time for this. Let’s embrace emails for the simple stuff and save meetings for brainstorming, or at least for things that require actual talking!
8. The Elevator Sprinter
There’s always that one person who turns the closing doors into a racing track. No judgment…until they stop the elevator for one floor. Really? If you have to sprint and pull off an Usain Bolt finish just to hop in, maybe it’s not meant to be.
9. Desk Clutter Champions
Your desk is your space. But when the mess starts creeping onto mine? That’s a hostage situation for my elbow room. It’s fascinating how some desks look like food passed through a paper shredder. Food wrappers and ten coffee cups, why? Personal space is cool, but when your clutter starts invading my workspace, we’ve got issues.
10. Forced Small Talk in Elevators
“Weather’s nice, huh?” We’re in a metal box for 30 seconds. Silence isn’t awkward, you making me talk about humidity is. We’re all just trying to get to our floor without adding “What are your weekend plans?” to the to-do list. Friendly nods work wonders. Let’s normalise that.
Why Do These Pet Peeves Persist?
We’re all human, right? So, here’s why these annoyances stick around:
● Habitual Blind Spots: Some people genuinely don’t realise they’re being disruptive. Like that curious George who won’t stop asking questions, even though you’ve clearly indicated that you’re busy.
● Personality Traits: The yapper isn’t ignoring boundaries; they just love people. Bless them. (But also…boundaries.)
● Simple Oversight: You might think, “Oh, it’s just one quick question.” Multiply that by five colleagues, and productivity dives.
● Cultural Differences: What’s polite small talk to one might be unbearable to another. Perspective is everything.
● “If No One’s Complained, It’s Fine” Mentality: Until now. Consider this your gentle nudge.
Quick Tips to Deal with Pet Peeves
Surviving office quirks is an art. Instead of silently fuming over loud chewers or elevator sprinters, try a little open (but kind!) communication—most people aren’t out to annoy you on purpose. Before you call someone out, though, check your own quirks—are you the desk clutter culprit? Awareness is key! Boundaries help too—headphones mean “do not disturb,” not “talk louder.” When all else fails, humour is your best weapon; a well-placed joke can turn tension into laughter. And remember, not every battle is worth fighting—some things call for noise-canceling headphones, deep breaths, and a strong cup of coffee!
Let’s Not Let Pet Peeves Rule Our Workday
At the end of the day, for every small office annoyance, there’s a lot to be grateful for. Whether you’re working from home in comfy pajamas, enjoying the balance of a hybrid setup, or thriving in the buzz of a full-time office, the company has created an environment that supports different work styles. From well-designed workspaces and high-speed Wi-Fi to coffee stations and collaboration zones, these amenities make our workdays smoother. So, while the occasional loud typist or chatty co-workers might test our patience, let’s not forget the bigger picture—having a workplace that values flexibility, comfort, and productivity. A little gratitude (and maybe a well-timed coffee break escape) goes a long way!
