8 types of colleagues who can be very difficult to work with, according to psychology

As individuals, we all crave a work environment where we feel valued, supported, and respected. Unfortunately, not everyone is fortunate enough to have this experience.

Sometimes, we encounter colleagues who make our work lives more difficult than it needs to be. These individuals can exhibit behavior that is disruptive, unproductive, or even toxic.

This toxicity in the workplace might not always be as clear-cut as in personal relationships. It can manifest subtly in different personality types and behaviors that can, over time, create a hostile or uncomfortable work environment.

In this article, we’ll explore the eight types of colleagues who, according to psychological research, could make your work life a living nightmare. By recognizing these types early on, you’ll be better equipped to navigate your professional life with less stress and more success.

1) The gossipmonger

Workplace gossip can be more than just idle chit-chat. When it’s frequent and malicious, it can create a hostile environment for everyone.

You might have a colleague who seems to know everything about everyone. They always have the latest scoop on who’s doing what, who’s seeing whom, or who’s going to get that promotion.

This constant flow of information isn’t innocent. It’s often embellished or taken out of context to create drama or manipulate situations.

When you find yourself being the subject of such gossip or see it affecting your team’s morale, it can be very disconcerting.

The gossipmonger can make you feel like you’re walking on eggshells, worried about what might be said about you behind your back. This kind of stress not only affects your mental well-being but also your productivity at work.

2) The perfectionist

We all strive for excellence in our work, but there’s a colleague who takes it a notch higher – the perfectionist.

This individual is never satisfied with ‘good enough’. They want everything to be absolutely flawless, and they’ll often go to great lengths to achieve it, sometimes at the expense of others.

Their meticulous attention to detail can be impressive. However, their inability to accept anything less than perfection can create a high-pressure environment.

You might find yourself constantly redoing tasks because they weren’t ‘perfect’ the first time. Or perhaps they nitpick at your work, finding faults where none exist.

This constant need for perfection can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, impacting not only your confidence but also your job satisfaction and overall happiness at work.

3) The people pleaser

It might seem odd to consider a colleague who’s always eager to help and please others as difficult. But the reality is, the people pleaser can sometimes create more problems than they solve.

They are the ones who always say ‘yes’ to every request, even if it means overloading themselves with work. They struggle to set boundaries and often end up sacrificing their own tasks and responsibilities to assist others.

While their intentions are usually good, this attitude can lead to unmet deadlines, incomplete projects, and an uneven distribution of work within the team.

Moreover, their constant need for approval can make it challenging to give them constructive feedback or address any issues, as they tend to take it personally. This can hinder communication and create tension within the team.

4) The office bully

Let’s face it, bullies aren’t just found in school yards, they exist in workplaces too. The office bully is a colleague who uses their power, position, or personality to intimidate, belittle, or undermine others.

They might regularly mock you in front of others, constantly criticize your work, or even spread false rumors about you. They could exclude you from important meetings or decisions, making you feel insignificant and undervalued.

Working with an office bully can be an incredibly stressful experience. It can take a toll on your mental health and lead to feelings of anxiety, fear, and helplessness.

No one should have to endure this kind of treatment at work. If you find yourself dealing with an office bully, it’s important to take steps to address the situation.

5) The chronic complainer

We all have bad days and it’s perfectly normal to vent about work-related frustrations from time to time. However, the chronic complainer is a colleague who seems to have a cloud of negativity constantly hanging over them.

They’re always grumbling about something – be it their workload, the office coffee, or the weather. They rarely have anything positive to say and their persistent pessimism can be emotionally draining for those around them.

While it might be easy to dismiss them as just being negative, sometimes their constant complaining might stem from deeper issues. They might be dealing with personal problems, battling mental health issues, or simply feeling unappreciated at work.

Whatever the case may be, dealing with a chronic complainer can be a delicate situation. It’s crucial to maintain empathy while also protecting your own emotional well-being.

6) The procrastinator

We’ve all been there – the deadline is looming, but we just can’t seem to get started. Now imagine working with a colleague who behaves like this all the time – meet the procrastinator.

This individual is notorious for leaving tasks until the last minute. They’re always rushing to meet deadlines, often producing subpar work or even missing due dates entirely.

Their lack of time management often means that others have to pick up the slack or work overtime to cover for them. This can lead to resentment within the team and an overall decrease in productivity.

While it can be frustrating to work with a procrastinator, it’s important to remember that everyone has their own working style. Sometimes, it just takes a little communication and understanding to find a middle ground.

7) The chatterbox

Ah, the chatterbox! They’re the colleague who always has a story to share, a joke to tell, or a weekend adventure to recount. Coffee breaks, lunch hours, and even mid-work sessions often turn into storytelling time with them around.

While their jovial nature and knack for keeping the mood light can be a breath of fresh air in a stressful work environment, it can sometimes get a bit much.

Their constant chatter can be distracting, especially when you’re trying to focus on a task or meet a tight deadline. It’s like trying to concentrate on a complex problem with a radio playing in the background.

However, don’t be too quick to dismiss the chatterbox. After all, their lively spirit and infectious enthusiasm can often be the pick-me-up you need on a dreary workday.

8) The credit thief

Last but certainly not least, we have the credit thief. This is the colleague who has a knack for swooping in at the last minute and taking credit for work that they didn’t do.

They’re always at the forefront during presentations, always eager to share ‘their’ success with the boss, leaving you and your hard work in the shadows.

This behavior isn’t just annoying—it’s downright unfair. You put in the time and effort, and you deserve to be recognized for it.

While it’s important to be a team player, don’t let yourself be walked over. Stand up for your work, make your contributions known, and don’t let the credit thief steal your spotlight.

Wrapping up

Having difficult colleagues is a part of life. But remember, the way they behave isn’t a reflection of you, but rather their own personal issues and insecurities.

It’s essential to remember that you can’t change your colleagues’ behavior, but you can control how you respond to it. Setting boundaries, practicing self-care, and seeking support when needed are all crucial strategies.

Sometimes being assertive is necessary — other times, distancing yourself from the negativity is the best course of action. And in extreme cases, don’t hesitate to report toxic behavior to your HR department.

This article isn’t meant to label your colleagues or create division in the workplace. Instead, it’s intended to help you identify potentially challenging behaviors and equip you with strategies on how to deal with them.

Remember, having one or two of these traits doesn’t make your colleague a villain. But if their behavior is consistently causing stress in your day-to-day work life, it may be worth reassessing how you interact with them.

Take some time to reflect on your work environment and how it affects you. After all, you deserve to feel respected, valued, and happy at work.