Types of Co-workers You Will Encounter

 

In the many years, I have worked in the corporate world, I have met and mingle with a variety of individuals. For anyone who has worked or is working in an office, you will definitely be familiar with some, if not all, of the types of co-workers I’ll be discussing below. 

This is just a little fun list I wanted to work on since I have tons of time in my hand at the moment, so don’t take anything you may read here personally, okay? 

I wanted to be as unbiased for each type as possible so I’ll add in each individuals strength in contrast to their negative aspects.

1. The Loner

This is the lone-wolf of the pack. The outcast. That one guy or girl you can’t just seem to understand why they are always by themselves. Being one of the types of co-workers. The Loner may seem lonely or aloof most of the time, they can even be seen as mean or snobbish by some, but in reality, the loner is quite the opposite. They can be friendly if given the right environment. The loner is a freethinker, not wanting to stay in a box or unwillingness to follow the herd, the loner has created their own space in doing so.

The Bad

• Can be aloof most of the time.
• May cause misunderstanding with other colleagues due to lack of communication or miscommunication.

The Good

• As they tend to keep to themselves, the loner will probably be the only one not to believe any bad rumour that spreads within the work-space if they even care about it in the first place.
• If they ever open up to you, you can be sure that the person they will show to you is who they really are.

2. The Gossip

In a lot of social groups, the gossip is one of the most common, in an office environment the same rings true. The gossip is one of the reasons why loners exist. To a gossip life in the office has become so mundane that they start looking or, sometimes even, creating drama. To them meddling with other peoples affair is what keeps their days going.

The Bad

• Likes meddling with peoples issues.
• Tends to over-exaggerate on the details.

The Good

• As they tend to be the first source of information within the office they may come in handy in certain situation. Just remember to never take things that they say at face value and do a little more digging if necessary.

3. The Social Butterfly

The human personification of the ESFP personality. This one of the types of co-workers you will encounter can practically associate with any crowd. The office favourite by a lot of staff as they tend to lighten the tension in the area and makes working a lot stressful. During company, events you are sure that they will either be the one to host it or do an outstanding performance even if unnecessary. 

The Bad

• Over friendliness isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, as such some co-workers may get annoyed with this type in the long run.
• May seem fake or counterfeit in their actions.

The Good

• This type is God’s gift on your first day, especially if you are just fresh out of college.
• Life of the party during company social events.

4. The Interferer / Supervisor

That type that just can’t mind their own business and no they are not actual supervisors. The interferer is always busy prying into others task they often forget their own. The type to be first to point out if someone makes a mistake without even accessing the situation, further escalating an issue that should have not even existed.

The Bad

• Similar to the gossip, like meddling with other peoples issues.
• Doesn’t seem to understand the value of personal space.

The Good

• The worst nightmare of your lazy co-workers.
• May aid in increasing office productivity.

5. The Late

The type that just can’t seem to get to the office on time. Traffic? Stomach-ache? Morning sickness? Broken shower? The list just goes on and on for the late. Investment on an alarm clock or simply waking-up on time will do wonders for this type

The Bad

• Can be unreliable, especially during company events.
• May hamper office work for other staff.

The Good

• Can’t really think of any… don’t be the late-type.

6. The Early Bird

On the other side of the spectrum comes the early bird, you will be sure that they’ll be around even before the office door opens. New employees and probationary are prone to be under this category as one of the major marks in being regularised is punctuality, but after regularisation is sure that half of these types will turn into the late in no time. 

The Bad

• For newly hired employees, this type might come off as being not genuine with other co-workers.
• Others get so used to this type being on time all the time, that one mistake of being late may cause trouble.

The Good

• Extremely dependable, you can almost be sure that they will be one of the first to be present in any events or meetings.
• This type typically has a bright disposition and positive mindset, that may help others in getting their day started.

7. The Overtime

Work is life is probably the motto of this type of co-worker. They are usually the type to come in first in the office and the last one to leave. Though doing overtime isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it can easily slip into a bad habit.

The Bad

• Little to no work and life balance.
• Can come off as a try-hard with the sole intention of getting a one-up with the management.

The Good

• For most, this type shows great dedication and love for their job and the company.
• Willing to take the extra tasks of others to help.

8. The Loyal

Have been working for the same company for over a decade. This type can be a living testament to the stability of the company. If you’re newly hired,  try to get to know them as they can serve as your guide on the over-all culture and process of the company, helping you adapt quickly into your role.

The Bad

• Being in the same company for years can sometimes take a toll on this type decreasing their productivity and efficiency with time.
• Can be a bit biased, especially in regards to company rules and regulations.

The Good

• Easily the type you can depend on to get the know-how on all the mechanics of the company.
• Can be depended on to fill the role of staff if necessary.

9. The Perfect Role Model

Comes in to work on time, does their tasks quickly and diligently. Always present and never ones been absent. Willing to do overtime if the situation calls for it. Seldom complain or not at all. This type is as common as unicorns and fairies.

The Bad

• Nothing

The Good

• Everything

10. The Break

15-minute break? You can be sure that it will turn to 30 minutes or more for these types of co-workers. This type may also come in groups adding more reason for the over-break, as they say, trouble loves company.

The Bad

• Can sometimes be unreliable
• Can  sometimes be seen as lazy and unproductive

The Good

• If you have ever worked in a company you don’t like in the least bit, you’ll understand why this type exists.
• Always has tons of stories or jokes to tell.

11. The Muncher

You have either set next to this type or you are this type. I personally have no qualms with the types of co-workers who like taking their lunch or snacks in their work-space, but I know a few who may get annoyed.

The Bad

• For the most part, they are bearable to set next to unless they decide to snack on something that has a particularly strong smell.
• Food attracts ants. if you sit beside this type and they know how to tidy their space then good, but for the messy ones, better stock up on some bug spray in your drawers just to be safe.

The Good

• You will never grow hungry sitting next to this as they are often more than willing to share their snacks with you.
• As they often just sit on their table even during lunch, you can easily find them if you need something from them.

12. The Bi-polar

Happy to talk to one moment, full-on rampage the next. You just can’t tell what’s going to happen next with this type around.

The Bad

• You always to be careful about what you say or how you act around them.
• Can be often exhausting to deal with, especially in the long run.

The Good

• Never a dull day…Like really.
• Can be pretty friendly and provides energy boost during their good days.

13. The Gang

Going to the toilet? Having lunch? You can be sure that these types of co-workers are always together. 

The Bad

• They can sometimes be the source of awful rumours.
• Prone to over-break

The Good

• They tend to show deep loyalty to one another.
• If you ever had a chance to hang with them, they could be considered as one the most fun folks you’ll meet as they tend to never take themselves too seriously and are always after a good laugh.

14. The Gym Body/Buddy

Exercise is good for you and having a buddy to motivate you to do it is really something everyone should have.

The Bad

• Some of them tend to be a tad narcissistic
• They sometimes can be too preoccupied with trying to get fit that they become inefficient with their office job.

The Good

• Can provide excellent and effective work-out tips.
• Will try and motivate you to try better and be more active.

15. The Leech

There are no words to describe the last one in our types of co-workers. They are the type to always try to get a one-up on everyone at any cost. From tattling to the management for even the most minor of issues to downright claiming credits for someone else’s hard work, the leech will not stop for anything.

The Bad

• Everything.

The Good

• Nothing.

Have any comments or suggestion, you may contact me by clicking here.