Employees spend eight hours a day with their coworkers during the workweek.

That may be more time than they spend with their families. ¶ Seeing the same people day in and day out, year after year, can build strong bonds and teamwork—or it can drive an employee nuts. Just like a large family, most businesses likely have a few employees whom others avoid like the plague. And just like a family, they have a variety of personality quirks and annoying habits. Here are 12 of the worst kinds of coworkers.

1. The Gossip

This attitude takes its cue from writer Dorothy Parker: “If you can't say something nice about someone, come sit next to me.” Gossips can be poison in the workplace, driving wedges between coworkers and lowering morale. Besides spreading stories about fellow employees, they often start rumors about the company itself, such as new policies or impending layoffs. Perhaps the most destructive gossip is about clients or customers, which can come back to haunt management.

2. The Slacker

Good employees will pitch in and go the extra mile to make sure the job is done right. Slackers look out for themselves and are at their most creative when looking for ways to avoid work. They can be like professional football players who are drafted high because of their potential but never quite live up to it. Coworkers soon resent having to not only do their own work but also cover for an unproductive team member. A proven track record always means more than potential productivity.

3. The Drama King (or queen)

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