The office worker we love to hate: What are the effects?

by Startacus Admin

Given that we spend so much of our time at work and with so many different people, it’s inevitable that we aren’t always going to see eye-to-eye with all of our colleagues. There is always that one person that seems to strike fear in most however.

It would be somebody who can make a person’s face drop with the merest mention of their name. We’re talking about the workplace can’t. A recent survey carried out around the United Kingdom painted a picture of how the average colleague we love to hate looks, and what their characteristics are.

Sandals all year round?

18% of respondents named HR as the area that this unsavoury character would most likely work, higher than any other single department listed, the Finance/Accounting department came second. This person would most likely be called Sarah or David, and have argumentative tendencies. There is a good chance they would be red faced, with a large nose, and a penchant for horn rimmed glasses and sandals – all year round.

You can just imagine the effects a person like this might have on your average office in general, but what about the effects it has on individuals on a more personal level? Well, the survey did point to slightly different reactions to the office can’t from men and women.

36% of men surveyed advised they would simply switch seats to be further away from this individual, whereas 45% of women said they would react by heading to a quiet room and venting their frustration with a good old scream and shout!

Counselling

25% of men seem determined to not be defeated by this individual, and said they would look to actively compete professionally with them, as opposed to 19% of women who would do the same.

The survey also highlighted some worrying reactions that employers may want to take note of and react upon. A massive 33% of men and 38% of women said they would be willing to seek new employment just to escape from this person.

20% of both sexes would quite happily call in sick just to avoid the office can’t, and 15% of men and 14% of women would even consider counselling as a result of this persons behaviour. The most surprising response of all was the 13% of men and 11% of women who hate feel so victimised by this person, they would move away from where they live.

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Published on: 17th April 2014