A look at bosses' top pet peeves

Date published: 3/3/2006

By ELIZABETH PEZZULLO

Seldom is there a shortage of workers ragging on their bosses.

So, in fairness to the other side, we're giving the honchos a chance to sound off. Who knows, employees may learn a thing or two about why they get the "hairy eyeball" from the boss when they think they're doing a superb job. The peeves are based on a CNN.com and careerbuilders.com poll.

Abuse of sick leave: According to John Putzier, author of "Weirdos in the Workplace: The New Normal--Thriving in the Age of the Individual," one out of three workers who calls in sick really isn't. That can make life havoc for the boss in terms of planning.

Poor hygiene: Fresh-smelling breath and a pleasant body scent can go a long way in maintaining good office relations. In the interest of full disclosure, this reporter once told her husband, who happens to work at the same establishment, that she didn't have time to shower one morning and not to blab it to our co-workers. His deadpan response: "Oh, I don't think I'll have to."

Out-of-control cubicles: It's dynamite to have a passion for Beanie Babies, but when the little darlings start spilling into other employees' workspace, it may be time to closet the little cuties.

The office sourpuss: It's a given that no one is ga-ga about going to work every day, but does that give anyone the license to chronically complain? We're not talking about the occasional naysayer. We're talking about the one who sows discontent. Office bonuses--not high enough. Landing a new account--woe the extra workload.

Few wrangle anyone more than the workplace whiner.

Hawking your wares at the office: Yes, it's hard to refuse buying a box of Samoas from little Suzy, daughter of somebody. But the bazaarlike atmosphere doesn't end there. Before long it's those dreadfully overpriced Longaberger baskets or Avon catalogs. Save the side jobs for outside the office.

To reach ELIZABETH PEZZULLO:540/354-5421
Email: epezzullo@freelancestar.com

Date published: 3/3/2006