MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 8 (UPI) -- Sounds play an integral role in increasing stress among office co-workers, a study conducted by a firm based in Minneapolis has found.

By surveying 1,000 of its customers, Ceridian LifeWorks found that nervous behaviors like snapping gum and constant pen-clicking were identified as some of the top actions that increase overall office stress, The Toronto Globe and Mail said Wednesday.

Respondents said they couldn't stand it when colleagues either express their giddiness too loudly or engage in loud disruptive tantrums when stressed -- and they complained about co-workers who repeatedly snort or sniff when pressured.

However, the employee assistance firm said some respondents said their workday stress was provoked by co-workers who were too quiet.

Annoying behaviors can damage both employee morale and office productivity, the newspaper said.