When it comes to work, we make it a point to do it well to achieve our career goals and make the time we spend at work all worth it. However, success isn’t just determined by our capability to work well; it is also determined by how well we make our work environment conducive for everyone.

Every day, you will need to interact with others to get tasks done efficiently, so we must do our best to be likeable and friendly. But, how can you tell if your colleagues like you or not? Here are 20 signs that you should look out for to know whether your coworkers see you in a negative light:

1. No To Little Eye Contact

Eye contact is an excellent way to show that you are keen to be a part of the team or actively listening. While it is common that people find it hard to maintain it due to anxiety or nervousness, some people actively avoid making eye contact because they don’t like the person before them. When they do make eye contact, the contact will not be prolonged, and it will be shifty.

2. Confrontational

Confrontations are nothing new in offices, especially when it involves important projects and decisions. However, are you experiencing confrontations that have nothing to do with work? Do your workers see your actions as an insult even if you feel that you are not doing anything wrong? It is a clear sign that they dislike you.

3. The Vibe Is Not Right

Sometimes, you can tell if someone dislikes you even if you don’t confront them about it. If they treat you like an outsider, no matter how hard you try to fit in, and if your gut tells you that they don’t want you, you may be on to something.

4. They Don’t Smile Or Laugh When You Are Around

It’s not uncommon to have a bad day or mood swing, but it is a bad sign if your colleagues actively avoid smiling or laughing when you are in the room.

5. They Actively Avoid You

If you don’t want to be around someone, you actively avoid them. So, if your coworkers take a different route when they see you in the elevators or head to a separate room during breaks, then it is a sign they are avoiding you for a reason.

6. Your Presence Is Not Acknowledged

If you are not greeted when you arrive or leave, it may signify that they don’t like your presence at all.

7. They Spread Rumours About You

Office rumours are not uncommon, and it is something that we should avoid. However, if people don’t like you, you will be the subject of gossip that can affect your image in the company or team.

8. You Can’t Get A Decent Answer From Them

A great sign that people dislike you is when you cannot get a decent answer from them. For example, if you ask them about something, their response is too vague or short.

9. Their Body Language Is Negative

If they give you an eye roll, they have their arms folded all the time or don’t look away from what they are doing when you arrive; it is a sign that your presence is not welcomed.

10. Communications Are All Indirect

You can also tell if someone dislikes you about how they communicate with you. Even if you are beside them, they will actively ignore saying something to you directly and instead send it through email or text.

11. They Don’t Take Time To Learn More About You

A person is not interested in you if they don’t take time to get to know you and learn more about what you are like outside work.

12. You Are Not Invited To Any Events

Are you not invited during coffee or lunch breaks? Are you not informed about worker gatherings? If that is a no, it’s a clear sign your coworkers don’t see you in a good light.

13. They Never Prioritise Your Work

Even if your work will play a massive role in the overall project, coworkers who dislike you will ignore your work and never prioritize it.

14. They Steal Your Ideas And Make Them Theirs

Although this sign can be done by “glory hog” coworkers who want to climb the ladder no matter what, coworkers who dislike you may also try to steal your ideas as a way to drive you out of the group.

15. They Use Power That They Don’t Really Have

Some coworkers who want to show you that you are unimportant will try to force their authority on you even if they don’t have the power to do so.

16. You Are Not Invited To Their Cliques

Are your colleagues divided into “cliques”, and you are not invited or allowed to sit or hang out with them? It is a sign they don’t like you.

17. You Are Not Included In The Office Humour

For work relationships to prosper, there will be times that you will share a laugh with your colleagues after a busy day. However, if you are not included in the office banters and jokes, it is a sign your coworkers are not comfortable with you or see you as a part of the team. 

18. They Always Stare At You

Intense staring is another sign that people may have hostile thoughts about you. However, there is a chance that the only reason they are staring is that they are zoning out or have an awkward personality.

19. There Is No Trust Between You And Them

If you are constantly questioned about your intentions and your goals, they may be attempting to sabotage you and want you left out.

20. They Are Defensive

If they often act defensive when you speak to them, it is clear that they don’t like you.

It is tough to be liked by all, especially with conflicting personalities in the workplace. However, if you spot these 20 signs, you must look within yourself and see if you can do anything to change your coworkers’ perspectives about you. If you do not change, it can complicate your work life and make you a pariah in your team even if you have done nothing wrong. If it is affecting you badly, speak to your manager or HR and allow them to mediate within the group and resolve this immediately.

Looking to work cohesively with your team. Here are ways to do it effectively:
How to Win Your New Colleagues Over in Your New Job?
How to Solve a Disagreement Among Team Members on a Projects
10 Must Have Tips for Dealing with Toxic People at Work

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