How to be the perfect colleague

Whilst dedication and willingness to work fall short of the top ten, social traits like optimism, empathy and trustworthiness have dominated a list of the top ten qualities British workers desire most in colleagues.

According to a survey by One4all Rewards, the perfect colleague should not only be good at their job, but also a confidante with a sunny disposition.

A third of Brits want their desk-mates to posses social skills in the form of optimism and enthusiasm in order to keep the rest of the team in good spirits.  30% wanted their fellow workers to be able to both listen and keep a secret. 

But being a social butterfly doesn’t make you the perfect colleague – you also have to deliver results, according to 37% of Brits. Being knowledgeable in what you do and displaying initiative are favourable traits too. 

The ability to meet deadlines and remain organised is important as well as being empathetic and a shoulder to cry on. 

The more dominant traits, such as leadership and competitiveness were less popular, with 13% and 4% considering them important traits in colleagues.

Few of those surveyed viewed dedication as a trait they’d want in a colleague.  Putting in extra hours or arriving early may get you in the bosses good books, but not your fellow workers. 

Managing director at One4all Rewards Declan Byrne said: “We spend so much of our lives at work that our colleagues have a huge impact on us,

“What is interesting from this research is that British workers really are quite focused – they rated effectiveness the number one most important trait in their ideal colleague.”

He added: “But it’s not all results focused – British workers also hugely value having  colleagues who can act as a bit of a friend – keeping everyone’s spirits up, as well as sharing secrets and worries.”