Jealousy at Workplace: Signs, Causes, and Smart Ways to Handle It

Ever experienced that embarrassment when a co-worker in the office seems just a little too interested in your success? Or maybe you’ve even caught yourself measuring your progress against the success of a coworker? You’re not alone if so, jealousy at workplace is more common than we’d care to admit.

While a little bit of competition will test us to perform better, unwarranted jealousy can ruin relationships and work. But why does it occur, how do you identify it, and most importantly, how do you deal with it? Let’s examine the signs, causes, and smart ways to deal with jealousy at workplace before it spirals out of control.

Workplace envy is not necessarily about wanting to get your coworker’s new office or salary increase. It is about the unspoken, quiet insecurities and competitiveness or even a toxic workplace. So how do you deal with it without having it affect your career?

Whether it’s your own jealousy or dealing with a jealous co-worker, knowing the signs and having plans in place can turn these uncomfortable feelings into opportunities for growth. Ready to find out how? Let’s take a look.

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What is Workplace Jealousy?

Jealousy at workplace occurs when employees feel envious, threatened, or insecure about a colleague’s success, recognition, or achievement. It typically occurs when an individual feels that their work is being underestimated or underappreciated compared to others. Nevertheless, it does not always stand out; sometimes jealousy can be subtle in its expression.

Are you jealous of a colleague? Maybe they got the promotion you wanted, or maybe they always seem to be in the spotlight. What if the tables were turned? Becoming more aware of workplace jealousy will allow you to prevent it from turning into something that is relationship-damaging or productivity-stifling.

Is Jealousy at Workplace a Good Thing?

In small amounts, jealousy becomes a motivation. It will cause people to work better, think more, or crave more rewards. But if nothing is done, jealousy will become poisonous in no time and lead to ruin, negative attitudes, or destroyed teamwork.

Therefore, the balance of some jealousy is what can help with self-improvement, but excessive jealousy will negatively impact the best interest of providing a healthy workplace. The solution lies in how we handle and redirect those feelings.

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Causes of Jealousy at Workplace

Jealousy at workplace does not develop overnight. There are some impulse that can trigger such emotions among employees. From promotions to the unequal allocation of work, there are different reasons to create a jealousy at workplace. Understanding the reasons behind the same is the beginning point towards managing and eradicating jealousy successfully.

Let’s dive into some of the most common reasons why jealousy arises in professional environments.

1. Promotion and Recognition

Jealousy at workplace usually begins when another co-worker receives a promotion or appreciation that the individual believes they deserve. It’s normal to crave appreciation for your efforts. However, when others receive promotions, it may fuel jealousy. Employees feel underappreciated, and this leads to frustration and ill will towards the individual who received the reward. This has a tendency to create an atmosphere of unhealthy rivalry and tension very easily. Office jealousy is more heightened when such feelings are not dealt with.

2. Unequal Work Assignments

Ever felt like you ended up with the dull projects in the office? Unfair work distribution is a huge cause of jealousy at workplace. If a single worker is always given the harder or better tasks, then others may feel that their own work is not valued. That feeling of injustice will grow and grow, and jealousy can begin to develop as workers feel like they’re contributing more without gaining the benefits or opportunities that they feel they should be receiving.

3. Inconsistent Praise

Nothing fuels jealousy at workplace more than unequal praise. When a single employee is constantly praised and the rest of the employees are just as worthy but not receiving recognition, it can foster resentment. Employees who feel they are not being recognized can become jealous of their recognized coworkers, and it can fuel tension at work. Equal appreciation must be done to avoid jealousy because everyone wants to feel appreciated for their labor. Without it, jealousy can become a significant issue at work.

4. Feeling Undervalued

When employees feel they are not valued, jealousy at workplace arises. It is infuriating when hard work is not noticed, especially when other people appear to be receiving more attention. People who feel they are being undervalued will start comparing themselves to others and wonder why they are not being recognized as much. This sense of not being noticed transforms into jealousy in a matter of minutes in the workplace. Appreciation has to be shown by managers to prevent such feelings from escalating and undermining teamwork.

5. Competition

Healthy competition can enhance efficiency, but when it’s made negative, jealousy at workplace creeps in. Competition becoming constant comparison may breed resentment and jealousy. Employees who perceive they are always running against each other will start developing jealousy whenever it seems like their colleagues are gaining. Instead of motivating each other, negative rivalry fosters jealousy and makes collaboration difficult. Managers need to develop a positive, collaborative environment to reduce such jealousy in the workplace.

Signs of Jealousy at Workplace

How do you know if someone is jealous at work? Here are some signs that might indicate jealousy:

1. Constant Complaints

If you discover a co-worker constantly grumbling about the achievements of others, it may be a sign of jealousy at workplace. Whenever people feel that they have been overlooked or not given the necessary attention, they complain of injustice. These grievances are rather a habit to rationalize their own discontentment and jealousy and make it all the more hard for them to celebrate the achievements of others.

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2. Negative Body Language

Jealousy at workplace often expresses itself in non-verbal cues. A colleague who rolls their eyes or sighs when someone else is complimented is likely silently resentful. Such actions may seem minor, but they reveal a lot about the jealousy they feel. Pay attention to such cues; they may be symptomatic of more covert workplace jealousy that is not explicitly verbalized.

3. Passive Aggressive Behavior

Rather than dealing with their feelings, an insecure co-worker might be passive-aggressive. This can take the form of sabotaging others through cutting remarks or backhanded compliments. Rather than dealing with their issues, they use subtle ways of expressing their jealousy at workplace that damage relationships and morale.

4. Withholding Help or Information

If a co-worker holds crucial information or will not work with an assisting hand, jealousy could be the sign. A jealous individual will act as if he or she has no idea how to assist when, in reality, he or she does. This type of sabotage will shut others out of success and is generally built on fear of being surpassed or caught up.

5. Overly Competitive

Continuous competition in the workplace when there is no need to compete might be a sign of jealousy at workplace. An individual who competes all the time is most often driven by jealousy. This normally stems from insecurity and the need to show them that they are better, even if there is no actual competition.

Have you noticed any of these signs in your workplace?

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Workplace Jealousy Quiz: Is Your Team Affected?

Instructions: Answer each question honestly with “Yes,” “No,” or “Sometimes.” Tally your results at the end to see where your workplace stands.

1. Credit & Recognition

1. Do colleagues or managers often take credit for your ideas?
2. When you succeed, do some coworkers react with passive-aggressive comments?
3. Are high performers subtly undermined rather than celebrated?

2. Gossip & Cliques

1. Is there frequent office gossip about others’ promotions or achievements?
2. Do certain coworkers exclude others from meetings or social events?
3. Have you heard backhanded compliments like, “Wow, how’d you get so lucky?”

3. Competition & Fairness

1. Does competition feel cutthroat instead of motivating?
2. Are rewards/promotions given based on favoritism, not merit?
3. Do you feel pressured to downplay your success to avoid resentment?

4. Emotional Impact

1. Do you dread sharing good news at work due to negative reactions?
2. Have you noticed colleagues becoming cold or distant after your achievements?
3. Does your workplace culture feel more stressful than supportive?

Scoring & Results

• If Mostly “No” – Healthy Environment
  Jealousy isn’t a major issue, your team focuses on collaboration.
• Mix of “Sometimes”/”Yes” – Moderate Jealousy
  Be mindful of subtle tensions; address issues early.
• Mostly “Yes” – Toxic Jealousy
  Jealousy is harming morale; consider open discussions or HR intervention.

How to Deal with a Jealous Co-Worker at the Workplace

Dealing with jealousy at the workplace can be tricky, but handling it the right way keeps things professional and stress-free. Here’s how to manage a jealous coworker without making things worse.

1. Don’t Take It Personally

When faced with jealousy at the workplace, keep in mind that it’s probably about their insecurities, not your behavior. A jealous co-worker will try to make condescending remarks or deny your success, but being emotional only gives them fuel. Instead, remain calm and be professional. Keep yourself in the zone when it comes to your work and avoid unnecessary drama.

Having them understand things your way also works to your advantage. They will feel belittled or threatened. Provided you don’t take their attitude personally, then the issue will never impact your confidence or productivity. A counterbalance response has a tendency to back down sooner than aggression.

2. Communicate Openly

Sometimes jealousy at the workplace arises out of misunderstandings. If you get a whiff of tension, an honest, straightforward conversation can blow it away. Go talk to them and say, “Are you okay?” Don’t employ accusatory tones, say something like, “I’ve noticed things have been a little strained between us. Is there something we need to discuss?”

Open communication prevents small issues from becoming bigger problems. Even if they deny any issue, you’ve shown a willingness to resolve it. If they open up, listen without judgment. Often, addressing concerns early stops jealousy from escalating.

3. Show Empathy

A dash of kindness will dissolve jealousy at work quicker than you can imagine. If you have someone in the workplace who you think could be jealous of your success, rather than just ignoring them, attempt to elevate them. Pay them a compliment, help them, or share work with them. The minute people are appreciated, jealousy is eliminated.

4. Lead by Example

To decrease jealousy in the workplace, one of the best approaches is to make them work as a team. Instead of showing off what you have achieved, point out how everyone had a part in it. Give public appreciation to others and split the credit. When co-workers find that you are a fair and supportive person, jealousy is no longer there.

Having a positive attitude is infectious. If you just remain modest and work on achieving success with all, there are high chances others will do the same. As a result, it leads to a better and healthier atmosphere where everyone is welcomed and does not feel bad.

5. Promote Healthy Competition

Competition is a good thing in that it stimulates one to do better, but once it becomes fierce, jealousy prevails at work. Instead of criticizing it, join them in a fun atmosphere by establishing that team goals are the order of the day rather than individual competition. So, you might want to say something like, “Let’s see which team finishes first, but we’re all working toward the same goal.”

By having the right amount of healthy competition, one keeps things light and at the same time wins a lot. When co-workers view success this way, jealousy will be out and respect will be the new norm. Moreover, it brings joy and increases the efficiency of the people around you.

6. Seek Guidance from a Mentor or Manager

If jealousy at work is affecting your work or sanity, don’t hesitate to get help. A trusted mentor or manager can offer advice or assist in mediating the situation. Explain what is happening without blaming—how it’s affecting teamwork.

Sometimes, a third-party perspective is appropriate. Leaders can manage jealousy discreetly, either by team-building activities or individual discussions. Having a backup ensures the issue gets resolved professionally.

Workplace Jealousy Quotes You May Like

Sometimes, reading a few words of wisdom can help put things into perspective when dealing with jealousy at work. Here are some inspiring quotes:

• “Jealousy is the art of counting someone else’s blessings instead of your own.” – Harold Coffin
• “Jealousy is the fear of comparison.” – Max Frisch

Conclusion

Jealousy at the workplace can ruin everything, yet it doesn’t need to pull down your office or professional life. If you’re aware of the reason behind jealousy and identify it at an early stage, then you can prevent it from having a bitter experience. Whether it’s your jealousy or that of your colleague, a focus on communication, empathy, and teamwork can reverse things.

Remember: Jealousy is natural, but how you respond to it is what is important.