With many companies downsizing, employees are often working in close quarters or in cubicles. Cell phones are ringing, MP3s are being played, lunches are being consumed, and then there are the "visitors" that rob employees of productive work time. Many people are complaining about "workplace incivility," and many managers don't realize their employees are suffering in silence. This suffering has a negative affect on the employees' productivity. A study at the University of North Carolina--Chapel Hill reports that "incivility hurts a company's bottom line."

While most "pet peeves" are mild in intensity, they have a cumulative affect which has, according to the study, employees reacting to the offender's behavior in the following ways: 28 percent lost work time avoiding the offender, 53 percent lost work time worrying about an incident or future interactions, 37 percent believed their commitment to the organization declined, 22 percent decreased their effort at work, 10 percent decreased the amount of time they spent at work, 43 percent contemplated changing jobs and 12 percent actually changed jobs to avoid offenders. Most employees do not take their complaints to management because they do not want to be viewed negatively as a "complainer," or they believe that management will not take the appropriate action to resolve the problems. They are particularly fearful of losing their jobs in today's difficult economic climate.

Management leaders need to be aware that rude, disrespectful behavior exists, and they need to listen and address the problems with all employees. Encouraging team work and respect for themselves and others is a must for managers today.

What are some of the most annoying problems or "pet peeves" being reported?

1. Nasty or demeaning notes or gossip about co-workers;
2. Accusations about lack of knowledge of co-workers;
3. Undermining credibility in front of others; and
4. Being shouted at.

What are some of the more general "pet peeves" being reported?

1. Music and i-Pods being played too loudly in cubicles disturbing others;
2. People talking loudly, shouting, clapping hands and generally disturbing others;
3. Loud gum chewing and smacking of gum;
4. Loud cell phone rings;
5. Loud personal conversations with people talking about private matters no one wants to listen to;
6. Eavesdropping on cubicle conversations;
7. Visitors who interrupt your work;
8. Braggarts;
9. Smelly food being consumed or other offending smells coming from a cubicle;
10. Taking the last of the coffee and not making more;
11. Leaving the microwave filthy and leaving dirty dishes around;
12. Old food left in the refrigerator;
13. Eating someone else's food from the refrigerator;
14. Coming to work sick and coughing and sneezing on others;
15. No privacy; and
16. Staplers and other supplies being taken from your cubicle and not returned.

While some of these actions may seem trivial, a daily exposure to these offending behaviors leads to anger and frustration among employees. If this has been your experience, what should you do? The best solution is to watch for a pattern of a particular co-worker; one who continually interrupts you or others, plays music too loud, etc. When you are calm, approach the co-worker and address the problem in a positive, "let's resolve this issue" conversation. If the problem persists, you must report the problem to management. If it is offensive to you, most likely it is offensive to others. Rather than gossiping or complaining to other co-workers, which often escalates the problem, take a leadership position and address the situation with the intention of resolution. Make it a win-win if possible.

If you see your own behavior in some of the offenses listed above, admit it to yourself and change your behavior immediately. Taking responsibility for one's actions is a vital part of self-respect and integrity, which permeate every aspect of your life. It is important that you hold yourself to a high standard of conduct and behave with dignity. If we would all do this, the workplace and the world would be much better place for all.

Gail Madison is a certified expert, trainer and professional speaker who presents etiquette programs to corporations and universities nationwide. Ms. Madison is the founder of The Madison School of Etiquette and Protocol and president of the Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce. She also serves on a variety of boards and was recently proclaimed "Entrepreneur of the Year 2008-09" by Cambridge Who's Who. Valuable business etiquette information, such as the tips included in this article, can be found on the Etiquette Revolution's DVD: "The Secrets of Successful Employment." The DVD is available at www.etiquetterevolution.com and also at www.amazon.com/dvd. For more information: 215-938-1178, www.etiquetteconsult.com, etiquetteconsult@comcast.net.