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Anvic’s ‘Pink Ladies’ Race for Life
Is the office more like a jungle than a workplace?

 

Sometimes the workplace, especially during these difficult economic times, can feel like one big jungle with colleagues fighting like wild beasts for survival.

To learn about our animal instincts we have teamed up with Stress Management Consultant, Ros Coleman to work out which ‘office animal’ characteristics are the most compatible to ensure a happy working environment.

“The human survival mechanism, commonly known as “fight or flight” works instinctively, just like that of other creatures. Like chimps and wolves our social structure is politically complex which can lead to difficulties in an office environment” says Ros.

The Lion

King of the jungle and also king of the office. Natural leaders, lions tend to hold management positions, are very proud and rule from a position of power and dominance. Some can be pussy cats at heart but the lion is not the king of the jungle without reason. Respect and handle with care if you want to get on in the workplace.

The Chimpanzee

Often loveable and cheeky, sometimes a bit naughty but usually a popular member of the team even though their behaviour can result in them struggling to gain promotion. Chimps do not pose much of a threat to their colleagues and will be the person to cheer colleagues up when they have feelings of negativity.

The Mouse

Quiet and meek, this office creature tends to keep their own counsel and can often be overlooked or regarded as an insignificant member of the team. But mice can be brighter than they are given credit for, often working away quietly and diligently and, managed properly, can prove to be a valuable member of any team.

The Eagle

A wise and well-respected observer, this bird tends to stay out of peoples’ business but is always watching and listening to what is going on around them. Probably the most neutral of characters, this is the person to go to when you need advice or help with a problem and want it to be kept confidential. Their freedom of thought can inspire others to do creative things themselves.

The Snake

Sneaky, slippery, and sly the snake will always find a way to take advantage of others in the work place. Often smooth and slick on the surface, a snake will sneak around behind colleagues’ backs and will stop at nothing to get what they want. Always ready for the kill, the snake is not to be trusted.

The Elephant

An ‘elephant’ type person would be your ideal Managing Director. Powerful, strong, wise and confident, this person really knows their stuff and wants to pass that knowledge onto their employees. With a good temperament they are approachable and well respected by their staff.

Ros said: “Unlike our furry friends we can’t just bite someone or run away when things get difficult but it is essential for our wellbeing to work out frustrations in a healthy way – not on other humans. A good work out in the gym, a walk or swim does it for some, or you can always find a bit of quiet time alone or have a laugh with mates.”   

Our Managing Director, Paul Dawson, says: “It seems every office has its own particular animals or beasts, some of whom are easy to identify.”

“From working with Ros, we have found that Managers can learn a lot about the behaviour of their employees from the experiences of the animal world. Aggression, dominance, co-operation and altruism – these are all characteristics of both the animal world and office life.”

“Different ‘animals’ react in different ways to circumstances and situations and by identifying what kind of animal your employees or colleagues are it can become easier to manage and motivate your fellow office ‘beasts’. It is certainly important to have a mixture of these characteristics in the office – otherwise it would make for a very boring working environment.”

“It is also useful to try and determine what kind of ‘animal’ you are yourself although I appear to be something of a cross between an elephant and an eagle which is a rather worrying concept and would certainly make for a strange looking beast,” he added.

 

Anvic are DDA compliant office space providers