A new survey of nearly 3,000 workers by career platform Kickresume found that most employees have at least one annoying coworker—and micromanagers rank near the top of the list.

While Chesky argued that Jobs proved “in the details” could be a gift of the highest talent – more of partnering than policing. And that the right kind of obsessive boss, he suggests, can fast-track decisions, raise the bar, and accelerate a rising star’s career.

For the average worker, that’s not what micromanagement feels like.

“It’s hard to feel competent and motivated when someone is questioning your every move,” the report warns. “This type of profanity often leads to resentment and harms productivity.

That’s why more than a third of respondents named micromanagers as the most unbearable in the office.

These are the 5 traits that workers say are the worst

Finally, Kickresume research found that 85% of employees struggle with an annoying colleague—with micromanagers beating out (by 1%) co-workers who steal their thunder for the title of worst person to share an office with.

1. Loan thief. When you put in the hard work, but with the one who gets the glory. Researchers say this weakens team spirit and creates a POISONOUS environment where people feel undervalued and unsafe sharing their new ideas.
2. Micromanager. Self-confidence is sabotaged and can lead to resentment and reduced productivity.
3. Chronic complainer. “Their constant negativity can be contagious, spreading gloom and lowering overall morale,” the report states.
4. Personal space intruder. Hovering over desks or eavesdropping on private conversations can make the workplace feel intrusive and interfere with workers’ sense of privacy and comfort.
5. Lunch thief. It’s more than a little high school etiquette to get rid of. “The lunch thief doesn’t just take your food, they steal your confidence and peace of mind,” the report warns. “This reckless behavior forces everyone to be more vigilant, creating an atmosphere of suspicion and frustration.”

The hidden number of micromanagers, credit stealers and other ‘workmates from hell’

Annoying colleagues aren’t just an office in-joke—they’re changing how people show up to work. Nearly 60% of workers in Kickresume’s survey said that difficult co-workers significantly undermined their productivitywhether that’s by derailing their focus, wasting time, or forcing them to overthink every interaction.

Micromanagers, in particular, alienate autonomy, making competent adults feel that they are constantly being evaluated rather than being trusted to do their jobs.

Therefore, it is not surprising that many employees’ first instinct is to withdraw. About a third said they coped by distancing themselves from annoying partners altogether, rather than discussing the issue head-on.

That may preserve short-term peace, but it also fosters a more fragmented workplace, where people collaborate less, share fewer ideas, and quietly avoid relationships that could make teams stronger.

But in the end, workers can only take so much. Stealing people’s ideas, breathing down their necks, hovering over their desks too many times, and it backfires quickly.

One of the ten wills release to their coworkers about you, quietly damaging your reputation and influence. Meanwhile, 12% go straight to the top (or failing that, HR) to report you. And a staggering 41% dream up ways to end your career for good, including getting fired.