2017 Jan 3
by Vandana Hiranand
No matter where you work within Sri Lanka, there are certain types of colleagues you will inevitably come across in every workplace. After all, a workplace is rather incomplete without a complete mix of different personalities working together. As such, we have compiled a list below of the seven types of colleagues you are most likely to come across while working in Sri Lanka!
The Competitor
This particular individual always needs to be better than the others he/she is working with. Whenever a new task is assigned, their competitive nature is immediately triggered and they need to work hard and fast in order to stay ahead of the rest. It can be quite frustrating to work alongside a competitor, because of their intense need to be the best. Yet, it is amusing to observe them work alongside more laidback people.
The Partygoer
This is the co-worker who will always suggest that it’s time to go out for a drink. As soon as the clock hits 5 o’clock on a Friday evening, he/she is pumped and ready to start their weekly celebrations. In fact, even the working days of the week will not deter that party spirit. No one is surprised anymore when they show up hungover to work and are continuously bragging about their adventures the night before, although chances are he/she probably doesn’t even remember any of it.
The Gossiper
It’s always fun to be friends with the chatty employee, who is always willing to have some coffee and share some gossip. This person will have all the juicy information and will probably know more about you than even you do! If you’re in the mood to have a gossip session about someone you hate, this is the person to go to. But be warned when sharing your own secrets too – they might not be as safe as you think.
The Social Butterfly
This is the extroverted, fun, and sociable individual, who gets along with everyone in the office (including the bosses). This co-worker always brightens up a dull office day, and it can be quite boring without them around. Everyone always finds it incredible how they manage to get along with absolutely everyone, and they are always enjoyable to be around. Occasionally, the social butterfly is the one who holds your workplace together and helps everyone get along with each other!
The Hard Worker
Ah, the hard worker. This is the colleague who is always overachieving and never takes any extra breaks. Their mission is to get ahead while focusing all their attention solely on their work, and not on the office antics which may be going on around them. Although they are highly productive, hardworking and smart, they can be considered rather boring or serious within the work environment.
The Hardly Working
There is always the lazy one, who does just enough work to get by without falling into trouble with the bosses. This colleague is known for slacking off and usually saunters in late to work every day, yet completes their work just in time. This worker does not particularly care about the work, but is mainly interested in finishing it off so that they can get back to watching the latest episode of their favourite show.
The Mother Hen
Every office has one – the mother hen. This is the coworker who takes care of everyone, and always has solutions for small problems. If someone has been hurt, he/she has a first aid kit in her bag. If someone is hungry, they always have some snacks on hand. If the whole work crew is getting ready to go out for the night, they are geared up to be the responsible one who makes sure nobody makes any bad decisions they may regret. In short, their colleagues are currently alive because of their care.
So there you have it. No matter where you work within Colombo, you are most likely to come across these seven work personalities and colleagues who will make even the most boring job seem interesting and fun. After all, as long as you have a mix of good people to work with, your job will always seem better.
