Monday 24 October 2016 10:30 am

Here are 10 traits which will make you more likeable at work

By: Emma Haslett

We all know the workplace isn't a personality contest – but being liked at the office can make those hard days a little easier…

Now a survey by job site CV-Library has put together the 10 traits which make people most likeable at work. Oddly, "baking cakes" doesn't seem to feature (and nor, crucially, does emotional intelligence – but we've got more about how it can transform your career here). 

At the top of the list was positivity, which 62 per cent of those questioned said they thought was the most likeable trait. That was followed by "being approachable", with 41 per cent of the vote, and a sense of humour, which got 40 per cent.

On the other hand, arrogance was named the least likeable trait by 56 per cent of those questioned, followed by laziness (48 per cent) and being patronising (25 per cent).

Read more: Why is good behaviour in business such a radical idea?

Meanwhile, 87 per cent said being liked at work can help you progress in your career, while two-thirds added that assertiveness is important to maintain respect among your colleagues.

The good news, for those who are worried about juggling the two? Almost 92 per cent said it's possible to be both. 

“Having some form of rapport with your manager is important as it enables you to be open and honest about your career goals, whether that’s in or outside the company you’re both working at," said Lee Biggins, founder of CV-Library. 

"However, some workplaces will be stricter than others about this, so it very much depends on how much support you’d ideally like in your job. Ultimately, while the line between our personal and professional lives is becoming hazy, it’s best to keep it professional in the workplace and watch your actions: you never know when they might come back to haunt you."