We all have those co-workers who decimate our productivity and focus with interruptions, email invasions, and over-sharing. And they tend to materialise just as you’re about to get into your groove or right when you find out about that 5 o’clock deadline. Although there are countless forms they can take, Workfront identified five of the most common productivity killing “space invaders”.

1. The Oversharer

How to spot them:

This person is known for their NSFW TMI stories. Good luck re-focusing when you’re trying to get that information out of your mind.

How to escape:

Instead of the usual “smile and nod,” bring the conversation back to something work-related—perhaps something from the company HR manual.

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2. The Inbox Inundator

How to spot them:

They specialise in jamming too much information into one email and sharing it with too many people, especially non-stop reply alls lauding the newest company promotions.

How to escape:

Checking email only during hours you’ve blocked out on your calendar is good; using tools that deliver only relevant information to the right people in real time are better.

Inbox

3. The New Bestie

How to spot them:

Like it or not, they want to spend their life with you. A deluge of weekend invitations has you questioning whether you should change your phone number—or get a restraining order.

How to escape:

This is why the ability to block phone numbers exists. Also, it’s time for the “it’s not you, it’s me” talk.

Bestie

4. The Note Stalker

How to spot them:

Like a phantom in the night, they slip in and out of your cubicle while you’re gone, leaving only a cryptic, potentially workflow—killing sticky note in their wake.

How to escape:

Establish a formal request portal—where Post-It Notes are forbidden.

Note

5. The Cubicle Crusher

How to spot them:

Whether to relive the match or ask about a project’s status, who needs email, IM, or phones when you can visit in person to communicate about pretty much everything?

 How to escape:

Telecommuting a couple days per week is good; software that lets people see for themselves what you’re working on is best.

Cubicle