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12 Office Stereotypes to look out for in 2018


Anyone who has worked in an office environment may come across these personality stereotypes at some stage (if they haven't already).

Which ones are you familiar with?

1. The Hipster

Most likely in their mid 20s. Cool with everything. Never seen eating anything unhealthy. Common phrases include:

 'Is that gluten free?'

'Can I please have a soy chai latte?'

They use keep cups and rarely drink from anything plastic. They are environmentally and socially conscientious. If its a guy, his dress sense will be from the 1990s but he will possess a beard from 1860s. They ride bikes, they don't adhere to stuffy corporate attire. They are the newest addition to office stereotypes and 5-10 years ago their kind didn't exist.

2. The Work Wife/Husband

Your BFF. The one you go to when you need to vent over a coffee. She/he is a good listener, a good problem solver and you see her/him so much that she may as well be your wife/husband.

3. The Over Achiever

Commonly says 'yes' to everything. Unusually cheerful in the morning even before they have had their coffee. You're not even sure if this person drinks coffee? It's a mystery how anyone can be that happy all the time. In fact, are they even human?

Incapable of negativity or the word 'no'. Volunteers for everything. They are a little exhausting to be around.

Common phrases include:

'Oh I just did a 100km run on the weekend.' Like it's nothing..

They are a super human. On the one hand you want to look up to them, but on the other you know it's just not realistic because you are you. Flawed and imperfect you and that's where you are happy to stay. In your comfort zone. Any comparisons should be avoided.

4. The Newbie

Immaculately dressed in (most likely) black and white corporate attire, because they haven't been there long enough to gauge what is 'acceptable attire'. They are playing it 'safe' and are super polite to everyone, while secretly trying to spot any snakes in the grass.

He or she has aching cheeks. Why? because they have spent all day fake smiling and trying to remember everybody's names. Their palms are sweaty from shaking hands with everyone. They need a hand sanitiser and some paracetamol badly. So go and be a mate and give them both.

5. The 'funny' Jock

This one is stereotypically male and in his 20s to 30s. Most likely given the job due to nepotism. He has led a relatively simple life so far. He has a tendency to give coworkers and managers premature nicknames. Even when it is not appropriate to do so (because the working relationship has not yet reached that level of familiarity) and often without the permission of the coworker or manager.

He is deeply uncomfortable when confronted with any diversity. He gets around this by trying to label everything as a joke and regularly gives himself kudos in the comedy department but unfortunately for him,  no one actually finds him that funny. Except for his mates. They will often play sport at lunch times. Together, Bro.

6. The IT employee who never gets back to you.

This employee talks the talk but doesn't walk the walk. They are over promisers but rarely deliver on time. They can be either extremely charismatic or super introverted. Either way you will have to request something at least 5 times before you get the goods delivered.

Common phrases include:

'Yes, just give me 5 minutes and I'll have it sorted'

'Hello IT, have you tried turning it on and off?' (see The IT Crowd show).

7. The Chatterbox

This person needs to talk to everyone about every detail of their life. Even when no one is listening. They will often repeat themselves and their stories to different individuals. Their natural habitat is the kitchen or common rooms. Why? because this is where they can talk freely to everyone and anyone. You wonder how this person actually gets any work done.

They also have bionic hearing and a genuine FOMO (fear of missing out) even when the conversation doesn't involve them.

8. The Freeloader

Usually quiet and gets on with their work, in fact you rarely see them....
That is, until there is free cake in the kitchen because they are the first person there. Like a 'jack in the box' they will pop up unexpectedly.

Common phrases by this individual include:

'Is there a bar tab?'

'Is work paying for this event?' if the answer is no. They won't be there. Or will leave swiftly.

Why? because they are a free loader.

9. The Mystery Bludger

This person doesn't seem to adhere to normal working schedules. Some days they are there at 9am and others at 11am. They never seem to produce any work and are often caught snoozing away at their desks.

The mystery? why no one has fired them yet.

If there was an award for a person who 'can get away with anything for the longest period of time without getting fired' this person would win it.

10.  The Snake in the Grass

Friend or foe? This person makes it difficult to choose. On the one hand they are very nice to your face. On the other hand you receive information from other people of the things they have said about you, including dobbing you in for things that you may or may not have done.

The trust is no longer there. 'Once bitten twice shy' applies here. Beware.

11. The Sleazy One 

Thought you caught them staring at you? your instinct is more than likely correct. This person can be any age. This is a sexual harassment case waiting to happen. Keep your distance and do not approach, especially after The Sleazy One has had some drinks. Avoid eye contact at all times.

12. The Mother Hen

Stereotypically a middle aged woman. Is friendly with everyone. Calls everyone 'darling' and 'sweetie'. She looks after everyone but has a strong backbone and will stand up for herself if need be. She is the mother hen. She is selfless, knows everything and has been in her position for about 20 years or more. Her only downside? She's not a fan of change. Or technology.


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