Is your co-worker trying to sabotage you?

But it seems fewer professionals are engaging in this type of ill behaviour: This figure is down from 50% in a similar study conducted in 2008.

Read: Employees are overworked, burnt out

When executives were asked how best to deal with a sabotaging coworker, 41% said to confront the person directly; 70% of respondents felt the same way in 2008.

Another 40% of executives believe notifying the individual’s manager or human resources is the ideal solution, up from 10% seven years ago.

“A little workplace competition can be healthy and motivating, but if a colleague crosses the line to get an edge over fellow coworkers, it can make for a stressful environment,” says Deborah Bottineau, senior regional manager of The Creative Group. “The ability to adapt your style to a variety of personalities, and find a balance between being competitive and professional, is vital to maintaining productive work relationships and ensuring long-term career success, especially in more collaborative positions.”

The survey was developed by The Creative Group and conducted by an independent research firm. They include responses from more than 400 advertising and marketing executives.

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