Ruffle your feathers

Released 26/06/2009

Which bird are you?

When it comes to flying high at work, here's some research to ruffle your feathers. Two fifths (39%) of UK office workers daily asses their colleagues' wardrobes and make judgements about them. A quarter (26%) admit they've made judgements about their colleagues' personalities and a fifth (19%) about their work ethic, all by the clothes they wear.

Office Angels have quizzed over 1,000 UK office workers to find out what their working wardrobe says about their working style and have drawn upon the world of bird-watching, identifying four of our feathered friends that reflect the UK PLC:

The majority, over half (54%) are Sparrow-like; tending to hide behind beige clothes. They are seen by colleagues as very intelligent and a safe pair of hands; calm and methodical in their approach. They tend to be shy but work well as part of a team.

Nearly a fifth (19%) are Magpies; always in black with lots of shiny accessories. They're dependable, likable and chirpy; however they tend to work best on their own and don't always keep their team in the loop.

1 in 10 (10%) are a Robin; wearing classic high street fashions. As a worker they're viewed as positive, creative and a good leader. Although they're good multi-taskers, they can sometimes lack attention to detail.

A small few (2%) are Peacocks; pacing the office in designer shoes and bright dresses and viewed by colleagues as extremely efficient. Workers are intimidated by these feisty personalities who are extremely ambitious but tend to show-off.

David Clubb, MD of Office Angels comments: "While we've always been told not to judge a book by its cover, the sad fact is that in the workplace what you wear obviously speaks volumes and first impressions really do count.

"While the research is all a bit of fun, and I certainly wouldn't suggest running out and buying a whole new wardrobe, I would say ensure that you look well turned out for work and dress in line with your company's dress-code, while of course letting your personality shine through."

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