Some coworkers are helpful. Others are walking office archetypes. This growing series explores the frustrating, absurd and painfully familiar signs you work with characters everyone recognises — from credit stealers and office dinosaurs to HR enforcers and workplace weirdos.
Start with these featured guides from the 21 Signs series:
Toxic Co-workers














Coming Next:
• Narcissist Coworker
• Victim Mentality Coworker
• Meeting Hijacker

❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is an office archetype?
An office archetype is a humorous but recognisable workplace character based on repeated behaviours — like micromanagers, credit stealers, office dinosaurs or policy enforcers.
Are these based on real coworkers?
They are satirical exaggerations inspired by common workplace personalities many people encounter. Any resemblance to your actual coworker is... entirely your own conclusion.
Will more 21 Signs guides be added?
Yes. This is a growing Office Archetypes series, with more guides covering toxic coworkers, workplace weirdos, office dinosaurs and other familiar characters.
How do you deal with difficult coworkers?
Humour helps. Boundaries help more. Depending on the situation, documentation, communication and occasionally strategic avoidance can also be useful.
Is HR Karen a real person?
HR Karen is a satirical character. Probably.
Know Someone Who Fits One of These?
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