12 Signs Your Coworker Is Fake – Here’s What To Do

Written By Shahzaib Arshad

It’s not uncommon to experience fake personalities in the workplace.

Recognizing these signs early on can prevent future problems.

Here are some signs your coworker is fake at work and how to deal with them.

Key Takeaways:

  • A fake coworker might even do bad things to impress others and make them happy.
  • Fake coworkers act friendly when everything is going well but change when things become difficult.
  • A snake coworker benefits from you but refuses to lend a hand when you need it.
  • Good people may have a few enemies, but fake people try to make friends with everyone.
  • No matter who it is, fake people enjoy gossiping and saying bad things about anyone.
  • Before you confront your coworker in anger, make sure they’re truly fake.
  • Fake people act like they’re working hard and staying busy, but they’re not doing much.

12 Disturbing Signs Your Coworker Is Fake

Some coworkers act nice to you but say mean things about you to others.

It can cause you to lose your integrity in the workplace.

Here are 12 signs your coworker is fake:

1. Your Coworker Is A People Pleaser:

Signs of a fake coworker are easy to spot. They try hard to please everyone.

They Are Always Trying To Please Everyone
Your Coworker Is A People Pleaser

A fake coworker can do even the shittiest things to entertain and please the people around them.

But here’s the thing: they never start conversations with you—you always have to start.

2. Signs Your Coworker Is Fake – Uses You As A Shield In Bad Times:

A fake coworker is nice when things are easy, but when things get tough, they change.

Don’t expect such a coworker to support you during hard times.

If both of you are in trouble, they might blame you to protect themselves.

Fake people will sacrifice others to avoid trouble themselves.

3. Fake Coworker Is Always Full Of Excuses:

A fake coworker will get benefits from you but won’t help when you ask for a favor.

Your Coworker Has So Many Excuses For Everything
Fake Coworker Is Always Full Of Excuses

They only stick around when things are good; if you need help, they’ll suddenly be too busy.

Unlike real friends, they’ll complain and show how hard it is for them to help you.

4. Not So Adaptable Towards Change:

Fake coworkers resist company changes.

Because these coworkers have always relied on others to do their work and will struggle to adapt.

They oppose new policies because they’re used to the old ways.

5. Signs Your Coworker Is Fake – He’s Too Sweet With Everyone:

Honest people might have some enemies, but fake people try to be friends with everyone.

Honey Flows Out Of Their Mouth While They Talk
Signs Your Coworker Is Fake – Hes Too Sweet With Everyone

They speak sweetly and rarely get angry.

While secretly planning their next move to avoid trouble, they act friendly.

6. The Coworker Tries To Get Attention:

Fake coworkers crave attention and always talk about their achievements to be noticed.

They don’t put in much effort; they just want praise and approval from others.

Such people constantly seek validation and want everyone to think highly of them.

7. You Can’t Expect Him To Take Responsibility:

Fake coworkers always have something urgent to do when there’s a problem.

Signs Your Coworker Is Fake
You Cant Expect Him To Take Responsibility

They avoid responsibility and make excuses to escape blame.

If they cause a mess, they never admit fault and blame others instead.

8. A Fake Coworker Is A Gossip Machine:

Fake people love gossiping and will talk negatively about anyone, no matter who they are.

Even if they’re friends with someone, they’ll gossip about them too.

Despite many things to discuss, they’ll always bad-mouth someone.

9. Only Says But Never Fulfills Promises:

Fake people promise to help when you need them, but they never follow through.

They Are Only Words And Promises
Only Says But Never Fulfills Promises

They ignore your requests and won’t stay in touch.

If they can’t gain anything from you, they might end the relationship.

10. They Are The Life Of The Party:

Have you ever noticed how that one coworker always finds time to party?

They don’t organize the parties but love to be seen there.

And try to be the center of attention and the hero of the event.

11. Signs Your Coworker Is Fake – Pretends To Make Efforts:

Fake people pretend to work hard and look busy without really doing much.

In the same way, they pretend to make efforts in a relationship but don’t be meaningful for others.

Signs Your Coworker Is Fake
Signs Your Coworker Is Fake – Pretends To Make Efforts

A fake coworker might ignore you for a long time but act friendly when they need something from you.

12. He Tries To Seek Your Sympathy:

Fake coworkers ask for your help when needed but don’t return the favor.

They’ll ask you to take care of their responsibilities while he’s away for urgent work.

5 Tips To Deal With A Fake Coworker

Wondering how to handle a fake coworker? Should you fake it back or stay true to yourself?

Here are five tips to deal with them:

1. Clear Your Doubts:

Before you run into your coworker with anger, be sure they’re really fake.

Make Sure Your Coworker Is Fake Or Not
Clear Your Doubts

Did you see it yourself or just hear it from others?

Check the facts before you decide.

2. Signs Your Coworker Is Fake – Create Some Distance:

If you discover your coworker is fake, it’s best to keep your distance to avoid problems.

Be polite, but keep a safe distance for yourself to stay safe.

3. Make A Record Of Things:

Avoid gossip when dealing with a fake coworker.

Keep Records Of Every Incident
Make A Record Of Things

Keep emails for important talks and write down when you talk face-to-face.

4. Signs Your Coworker Is Fake – Talk To Them:

If the fake coworker isn’t causing problems, it’s fine to let things be.

But it’s time to have that tough conversation if the issue continues.

Ask for a meeting to discuss how their actions are affecting you.

5. Don’t Think Of A Revenge:

It can be inviting to think of revenge when things don’t go your way.

But it’s not the right choice.

Signs Your Coworker Is Fake
Dont Think Of A Revenge

Instead, stay focused on your work and do your best.

You can be ethical and moral, even if your coworkers aren’t.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Know If A Coworker Is Toxic?

Spotting a toxic coworker is quite easy because you'll feel drained and negative after interacting with them. A toxic coworker will manifest his behaviour through his words, body language, and promises or commitments.

How Can You Tell If Someone Is Cheating With A Coworker?

Your partner can be cheating on you with a coworker if he changes his work patterns. The partner is distant and keeps the phone secrecy. Getting annoyed or irritated without any reason is also a sign they like someone else.

How Do You Know If A Coworker Likes You?

The coworker probably likes you if he smiles at you or keeps consistent eye contact. He tries to know about your personal life. Moreover, he sits next to you in meetings and touches you accidentally. Also, it offers you help at work.

What Is Considered A Toxic Work Environment?

Toxic workplaces are those where jobs, people, atmosphere, or any of these cause a disturbance for you. Such disturbances can show in any physical form, even anxiety or depression.

Conclusion

Once you spot a fake coworker, you must get distant to save yourself from their evil ideas.

If you find a fake coworker, stay away and stay safe.

You might have to protect yourself since workplaces don’t always handle this well.

Last Updated on 2 months by Usama Ali

Shahzaib Arshad
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