Top five traits workers value the most in colleagues revealed. Dedication and a willingness to work late barely made the top ten

SOCIAL TRAITS like optimism, empathy and trustworthiness have dominated a list of the top 10 qualities British workers desire the most in colleagues.

A survey of 2009 UK adults quizzed respondents on the traits they value the most in co-workers, to craft a picture of the ‘perfect colleague.’

The data revealed that the ideal desk-mate would not only be good at their job, but also a confidante with a sunny disposition.

The ability to deliver results was voted the number one (37 per cent) trait, but it was also important to Brits that they possessed social skills, such as optimism and enthusiasm, to keep the rest of the team in good spirits (31 per cent), and that they were trustworthy enough to keep secret or listen to worries (30 per cent).

In addition to these more social traits, Brits’ perfect co-worker would also display initiative (27 per cent) and be knowledgeable about what they do (25 per cent).

Other qualities UK workers deemed important in their ideal colleague included the ability to meet deadlines and be organised (24 per cent) and being empathetic enough to offer a shoulder to cry on (18 per cent).

The more dominant traits, such as leadership and competitiveness were less popular, with 13 per cent and four per cent respectively considering them important traits in colleagues.

Dedication, including putting in extra hours or arriving early, was not something that workers consider significantly important – suggesting those late nights in the office you spend in the office are not likely to score you brownie points with colleagues any time soon.