18 Types of Colleagues Who Are Generally Unwelcome in a Workplace

In the work environment, people of different types coexist: with some you can even go on a secret mission, with others, you limit yourself to the words “hi” and “bye”. This is completely normal, as we are all different, with our habits and a particular outlook on life. It is impossible to please everyone, however, the ability to avoid confrontations with difficult colleagues shows your professionalism and your resistance to stress.

we, from Incível.club, we highlight the main employee profiles that exist in most companies and illustrate them. And of course, we don’t forget to reinforce the opinion of psychologists and recruiters. Check out!

The typical conspirator is flattering, helpful, and friendly-looking. He inspires trust, skillfully manipulates others, and uses information received for personal purposes. He often creates intrigue and spreads gossip among colleagues.

This colleague is against innovation in the office, in the department, or in the company in general. Especially when they affect your direct functions: in that case grumbles, indignation and protest on your part are guaranteed. A conservator has difficulties dealing with new information and rules, so you won’t see him on the list of those who want to improve their professional training.

You can often hear from this employee phrases like: “This is not my job”, “Why should I do it?!”, “I don’t get paid for this.” Unfortunately, such an attitude undermines the productivity of all employees, as the team becomes a group of disunited individualists. Coworkers of this type will never do anything other than their official duties, nor will they put in a little more effort than expected. Another downside is that your eternal discontent provokes and sabotages other people in the office.

Typically, he brags about being the “oldest” worker in the company. The self-esteem of this valued employee is outstanding, as, according to him, almost every member of the board has already asked for his professional advice. In all seriousness, he considers himself the most important and intelligent person in the company, and he believes that all colleagues should consider his opinion. After all, he sure knows what’s best for everyone.

It is not difficult to recognize such a colleague. He never participates in the crowdfunding for birthdays or company events, but when the day comes, he’s the first to run to the table to taste every pie and cake.

The workday has barely begun and this employee is already grumpy. He never tells good news, he is always complaining and whining about his professional and personal problems, bringing negative energies to the whole team. If after interacting with this colleague you want to hide in a far corner and cry in despair, then his goal has been successfully achieved.

If after receiving a compliment, you immediately come to a request for help, then you are definitely dealing with such a colleague. He manipulates the people around him solely for his own benefit. If you feel emotional pressure or believe you are not doing your job well, it is likely that you are being manipulated. The presence on the team of someone who likes to have power over others generates conflicts and intrigue among employees, which end up diverting their attention and energy from work.

In every work environment there is an employee who is always cold, or who cannot stand the heat. The former wears a sweater even in summer, is shivering in the cold, drinks hot tea all the time, and eliminates any source of draft, whether from the window or the air conditioner. The second type, on the contrary, complains about the stifling heat and opens all the windows, even if it is cold outside.

In fact, it is normal for some to feel cold and others to feel hot, but it often happens that these colleagues are extremely intolerant of each other when there is disagreement about their climate preferences.

A typical prankster is that funny and lively colleague. He may appear out of nowhere and launch a silly joke, or interrupt a conversation to tell an anecdote. At first he may seem likeable, as he gets along well with everyone, but over time, it becomes clear that his efficiency at work is zero, instead—endless jokes, constant breaks to stretch, talk, have a coffee.

He loves to take advantage of his peers, but unlike a typical manipulator, he does so to save money and time. For example, he often asks for a ride, claiming a close friendship. In addition, requests of this kind eventually become a habit, and comfortable travel is no longer a favor, but a guarantee.

Also known as a personal space invasion specialist. He walks in without knocking, has no problem rummaging through other people’s desks, and at lunchtime, he sits next to someone who’s talking on the phone and doesn’t want to be disturbed.

Everyone deserves respect from their peers and superiors. Correctly established personal boundaries affect the physical and mental state, both in personal and professional life. They help the employee to be more productive and to enjoy the work process.

A colleague of this type can be so brazen, to the point of doing absolutely nothing, when the whole team is working hard. He is lazy, passive, is silent during meetings, does not offer ideas, and leaves the workplace as soon as possible. Often, his colleagues don’t realize how he is still at the company and why he has the privilege of sitting idly by while others take over their tasks.

He prefers to work alone, believes he is smarter than others, and often underestimates his peers. Generally, he considers himself to be the most effective employee and loves to do things his own way, putting his needs above those of the team and the company. An employee of this type is dangerous for the employer because he divides the team and damages its productivity.

Criticize everything you see and not just at work. It’s impossible to please someone like that, because either way, that person will disapprove of your ideas, suggestions, speak ill of the food you brought from home and even criticize your look. But in relation to himself, the toxic colleague does not accept any criticism, for not for a second doubts that he is right.

It’s impossible to work with a colleague like that: in addition to being lazy to do your own work well, you also distract you with incessant conversations, gossip, silly requests for help and stories from your life. Unfortunately, when you devote time and attention to that employee, you end up not getting your tasks done on time.

They love to control everyone: every step, every detail, every sheet. The fact is that such a colleague never feels confident and secure enough and ends up transferring a part of the work that is his responsibility to others.

The typical procrastinator always leaves his tasks for later. He doesn’t care if it’s the last day of the month and the report hasn’t been filed yet. Unfortunately, such an attitude has negative consequences for the entire department, which doesn’t stick to the plan, doesn’t reach the goals on time, and so on.

This employee has no problem leaving some of his work to colleagues and asking superiors to leave early. In that case, he always has some amazing excuse. For example, the son’s school show, which he learned about an hour ago, an urgent dentist appointment, his filling fell, or a visit to the vet because his hamster caught a cold.

Which of these peer profiles do you live with at work?