Your Coworker Probably Has A Pretty Miserable Life Outside Of Work If You Notice These 6 Things
wavebreakmedia | Shutterstock You never really know what a coworker is dealing with once they leave the office.
Most people try to put their personal problems aside and focus on getting through the workday, but that doesn't mean those struggles completely disappear. Stress, loneliness, relationship problems, and mental health challenges can all affect how someone acts around their coworkers. Noticing several changes in their work habits could suggest that your coworker is having a difficult time outside of work and might appreciate someone checking in.
Your coworker probably has a pretty miserable life outside of work if you notice these 6 things:
1. They're always getting involved in workplace gossip and drama
Someone who's unhappy at home may become heavily involved in workplace gossip because it gives them something else to focus on. Meanwhile, people who have fulfilling lives outside of work are less likely to spend their energy on spreading rumors. They don't let little things bog them down at work or get too invested in drama because they would rather let work be work.
However, the coworkers who don't have the best personal lives will live vicariously through work drama. They see their coworkers as some of their best friends, even if their coworkers don't view them the same way. Because of this, they tend to become invested in work gossip and may even be the one stirring it.
2. They work overtime even when they don't have to
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All of us will need to stay at the office an extra hour or two every once in a while. However, miserable coworkers will work when they don't need to. They will work on weekends or bring their laptop home with them to work after hours. They use work as an escape instead of viewing it primarily as a source of income or professional satisfaction.
A study published in Community, Work & Family found that some people explain excessive work as part of their personality, while work may also help them feel productive or avoid problems at home.
3. They regularly show up looking noticeably unkempt
Yes, casual Fridays are fun, but only when it's on Fridays. If you notice that one of your coworkers is consistently showing up to work not dressed appropriately, it might be a sign that they are struggling.
An unkempt appearance at work might be a sign that they are struggling mentally. Certain mental health struggles can make routine things like showering or getting dressed feel harder to manage.
4. They're constantly looking for someone to talk to at work
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An especially talkative coworker can be a lot to handle first thing on a Monday morning. However, those who are miserable at home have probably been waiting all weekend to get back to work.
As an extrovert myself, I know how hard it is to resist the urge to talk to my coworkers, but sometimes you need to read the room. If they don't feel like talking, then they don't feel like talking. Someone who feels lonely or unhappy at home may look forward to the social interaction they get at work, which could make them especially talkative around their coworkers.
5. They avoid sharing anything specific about their personal life
It's normal to not want to give coworkers personal information about yourself. However, if you notice that a coworker is never sharing details, or when they do, they are vague, it may be a sign that they don't want to talk about it.
Instead of keeping photos of family members at their desk, they may opt for something generic or nothing at all. They may simply prefer to keep work and home separate, but a sudden increase in secrecy could also suggest that something has changed in their personal life.
6. They take minor workplace complaints to HR
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Someone who's heavily invested in workplace conflicts may frequently bring small disagreements to HR. Employees usually contact HR when they believe a workplace issue needs to be documented, but people who are miserable at home will make a problem out of just about anything at work.
For example, they will complain if one of their coworkers is consistently a few minutes late to work. Others might overlook a minor issue, but someone using work as a distraction may give it more attention than it needs. Unfortunately, repeatedly escalating minor disagreements can create more stress for everyone involved.
Sophie Bagheri is a writer with a bachelor's degree in English and theatre who covers lifestyle topics.
