UK Workplace Etiquette: The Habits That Annoy Colleagues Most

Workplace etiquette isn’t just about performing your duties, it’s about how you present yourself, respect shared spaces, and interact with colleagues. From offering a hot drink to keeping uniforms clean, even small habits can make a big difference.

To understand workplace etiquette across the UK, we have surveyed 2,000 UK workers about their habits, what they find annoying in colleagues, and how they maintain hygiene, safety, and professionalism in the workplace.

Many Brits Annoy Colleagues Without Realising

The survey revealed some surprising habits in offices and trades. Over half of respondents (51%) admit they don’t shower every morning, while 1 in 10 regularly leave dirty cups and dishes lying around, a behaviour a third of workers say they despise.

Smelly lunches are another common irritant. While 27% heat up their lunch daily, nearly a quarter say reheating food like fish in communal kitchens is one of the most annoying things colleagues do. Playing music loudly in communal areas is reported by 10% of workers, causing tension on site and in office settings.

Appropriate vs Inappropriate Behaviour at Work

Our research highlighted a clear divide between what is considered acceptable and unacceptable in the workplace.

Flirting with colleagues tops the list, with 90% saying it’s inappropriate. Discussing dislike of colleagues, scrolling social media, taking unplanned smoking breaks, and putting on makeup during work hours are also seen as unacceptable by nearly 90% of respondents.

Talking about personal relationships, health, or children is inappropriate for 62–74% of workers, though some are more tolerant of casual conversation or friendly banter.

Interestingly, joking with colleagues remains the most widely accepted behaviour, with 53% saying it’s appropriate, showing that humour and lighthearted conversation still have a place in the workplace.

UK’s Most Inappropriate Behaviours at Work: Ranked

1. Flirting with colleagues: 90%
2. Discuss dislike of other colleagues: 89%
3. Scrolling social media: 89%
4. Taking a smoking break: 89%
5. Putting make up on or fixing your hair: 88%
6. Internet shopping: 88%
7. Take an unplanned break to make a hot drink: 76%
8. Talk about personal relationships: 74%
9. Talk about personal health: 64%
10. Talking about your children: 62%

Heating Wars

Temperature disputes are surprisingly common. Nearly a quarter of UK workers, 23%, say they find it annoying when colleagues adjust the thermostat. Healthcare and Engineering employees are most likely to control the heating, while bricklayers are least likely to touch the thermostat. Regionally, Newcastle and Liverpool top the list for “heating wars,” suggesting that office comfort is often dictated by a vocal minority of “thermostat warriors.”

Trade-Specific Insights: Hygiene, Brewing, and Banter

Tradespeople have strong opinions on hygiene, presentation, and courtesy. Plumbers ranked as the most hygienic trade, based on daily showers, washing up dishes, and regular uniform cleaning, followed closely by gardeners and engineering & manufacturing workers. Clean workwear and tidy habits remain important on site, with a third of Environment & Agriculture workers annoyed by colleagues turning up in scruffy clothes.

Offering a hot drink is a valued courtesy on site, with Joiners leading the way. Over half of Environment & Agriculture workers are irritated if a brew isn’t offered, highlighting strong expectations around tea etiquette. Noise on site is a frequent source of tension, with bricklayers most likely to play music out loud, while scaffolders and locksmiths report this as highly annoying.

Tradespeople are also frustrated by poor work ethic and laziness. Plumbers and bricklayers report the highest annoyance at poor-quality work, while locksmiths and engineers are most irritated by laziness on site.

Speaking on the results, Louis Georgiou, Operations Director at Essential Workwear, said:

“Our research shows that it’s often the small, everyday behaviours that shape workplace culture the most. Whether you’re in an office or on site, being considerate of others from cleanliness to noise levels, plays a huge role in creating a positive working environment.”

“The survey shows that workplace etiquette can significantly influence morale, engagement, and overall satisfaction, both in offices and on site. Simple, considerate habits make a big difference in how valued employees feel.”