Every office has them – those unsung heroes doing the little things that make working easier. They’re the first port of call when the computers go down, are always there to lend a helping hand, and are ready with the tea round so you can enjoy an afternoon cuppa. Well, it may be about time to start singing these people’s praises!

Being a helpful co-worker, always ready and available to assist at a moment notice is seen as a highly valued quality among UK workers, so next time somebody asks you to help them out, give it a go!

What are the top qualities that office workers appreciate

• Has a positive attitude and is always encouraging: 79.5 per cent
• Pitches in to help when others are struggling: 75.2 per cent
• Shows people the ropes/helps out newly hired people: 55.1 per cent
• Helping out with technical and computer difficulties: 45.1 per cent
• Sticks up for other people at work: 42.2 per cent
• A joker who makes people laugh and lightens the mood: 32.8 per cent
• Always cleans up/keeps communal areas tidy: 32.6 per cent
• Bakes/brings in food for colleagues to enjoy: 16.7 per cent
• Frequently makes tea/coffee for others: 15.6 per cent
• Keeps other people informed on news: 15.6 per cent
• Are a shoulder to cry on/a confidant: 14.7 per cent
• Organises social events for the office: 12.5 per cent
• Regularly gives people lifts to and from work: 3.1 per cent
• Lends money/spare change when needed: 2.5 per cent
• Staying positive and always being encouraging topped the list, as every team can use a ray of sunshine when they’re trying to get over the mid-week hump. Helping out struggling colleagues and showing new people the ropes also ranked highly, meaning coaching and mentorship skills are an essential part of any workplace team.

With IT serving as the backbone of any modern workplace, those technical whizzes who hover around your desk and fix just about everything were strongly represented in our poll.

Coupled with Viking Direct‘s annoying office habits research, they have got a pretty good idea what you should (and shouldn’t) do to keep spirits high in your office. Bringing in food for colleagues to enjoy is certainly well appreciated, but stinking up the kitchen with smelly food won’t put you in people’s good graces.

To highlight those good Samaritans and ne’er-do-wells that make up the workplace, Viking Direct got in touch with