25 Cringeworthy Tales About Bad Coworkers Kissing Up to the Boss

Roy

2 weeks ago

Bad coworkers

Ah yes, the office suck-up. That rare species who thrives on approval and has somehow mastered the art of laughing at jokes that aren’t funny—loudly, and within earshot of the boss. We’ve all had one in our lives. You know the type: they're one motivational quote away from printing out a "world’s most loyal employee" mug for themselves. These stories will remind you why you sit at the edge of every Zoom meeting with your camera mysteriously “not working.”

Here are 25 brutally relatable tales of bad coworkers whose entire personality revolves around pleasing the higher-ups at the expense of human decency. These suck-ups have done it all—ratted people out, taken credit for group work, and brought in cupcakes with creepy levels of enthusiasm. You'll see firsthand how a brown-noser can derail an entire office vibe with just one well-timed “As per my last email...” If you’ve ever had a coworker who would sell you out for a gold star or worse, a LinkedIn endorsement, these stories are your therapy session.

f you’ve made it through all 25 stories without flashing back to Karen from Accounting or Brent from IT who “just loves staying late,” then consider yourself blessed. These coworkers reminded you why noise-canceling headphones were a genius invention and why lunch at your desk is less about work ethic and more about avoiding their unsolicited opinions. You may not love your job—but at least you’re not them.

Want more workplace laughs and relatable office suffering? Check out office politics fails, workplace gossip stories, tales of insufferable bosses, or hilarious work-from-home mishaps.