The faltering economy has been cited as one reason workers are increasingly competitive among one another in the workplace.

“In an uncertain economy, people grow more concerned about job security and proving their worth to employers,” says Dave Willmer, executive director of OfficeTeam, a temporary staffing firm. “This pressure to perform may result in rivalries between employees.”

A recent survey of corporate executives by OfficeTeam showed the phenomenon of increased competitiveness is a decade-long trend, revealing that workers’ sense of vulnerability and economic unease may have deeper roots than current concern about high gas prices and the housing crisis.

Though a dose of competition can be healthy among employees, Wilmer says, too much “creates tension and stands in the way of collaboration.”

In keeping with the competitive spirit of the ongoing Beijing Olympics, OfficeTeam has identified five common workplace competitors, along with strategies for discouraging them from taking competition too far:

• The Sprinter – This employee races to the finish on projects, sometimes overlooking the details. Commend him on his long-term view and enthusiasm, but encourage him to avoid cutting corners in the process.


• The Weightlifter – This employee views her achievements in terms of quantity rather than quality, often taking on more projects than she can reasonably accomplish satisfactorily and on time. Offer to redistribute some of her work among others and encourage her to focus on doing a first-rate job rather than attempting to do too much at once.


• The Gymnast – This person aims for perfection and tends to want to complete projects on her own. While her bends and flips may be impressive, you may have to diplomatically counsel her to channel her talents more toward team goals rather than spending her time on solo routines.


• The Pole Vaulter – No challenge is too great for this employee, who lobbies to take on the highest-profile projects. While this can-do spirit is helpful, it’s important to not let this worker monopolize all of the most challenging assignments.


• The Saboteur – This athlete is present in every sport. He’s the runner who trips others near the finish line, the soccer player who always gets the yellow card or the basketball player who is ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct. His struggle to get ahead at the expense of others ends up damaging his team’s chances. Explain to him the value of playing by the rules and focusing his energy on collaborating with colleagues rather than personal glory.