Hiring by star sign may be key to a harmonious workplace, according to study

A team consisting of an Aries, Sagittarius, Taurus, Aquarius, Pisces, and Libra bodes well for a successful group of multi-skilled, complementing colleagues

·        Almost a fifth of UK adults (18%) believe in horoscope compatibility within the workplace

·        Patience was found to be the most desirable trait we favour in our co-workers (46%)

·        Comparatively, poor listening skills (34%) and a dominating personality (32%) are the least attractive personality traits in the workplace, according to UK employees

·        One in 10 men (11%) admit they’d struggle to work alongside a natural leader

·        instantprint worked with an astrologer, Bex Milford of Cosmic Cure, to find out more about which star signs clash, and which complement each other 

·        To learn more about the compatibility of star signs in the workplace, click here

The key to a harmonious workplace may be as simple as hiring employees based on their star sign, a new study has found.

Research, compiled by online printing specialists instantprint, aimed to highlight the beliefs of UK employees when it comes to star signs and their impact in the workplace, polling 2,000 British workers to find out more. 

Their survey revealed that almost a fifth of UK adults (18%) believe in horoscope compatibility within the workplace. Similarly, a quarter were found to believe in the power of horoscopes in friendships (23%), whilst a fifth (21%) believe in them when it comes to romance.

Patience was found to be the most desirable personality trait we favour in our co-workers (46%), with good communication skills (45%), problem solving abilities (43%), good organisational skills (35%) and creativity (35%) closely following.  

Although a third (32%) of us view the ability to lead as a desirable quality amongst our colleagues, one in 10 men (11%) admit they’d struggle to work alongside a natural leader.

Comparatively, poor listening skills (34%), a dominating personality (32%), a domineering, arrogant personality (28%), the inability to be flexible (27%) and lacking follow through (26%) are the least attractive personality traits in the workplace, according to UK employees. 

More than a third (38%) of British female employees favour co-workers that are considerate. 

A further third (33%) voted ‘being caring’ as one of their most sought-after personality traits in a colleague, showing that those with empathetic traits can get on better with women in an office environment. 

In comparison, almost ten per cent fewer men deem this to be high on their list of priorities (25%) with their co-workers.  

One in ten men (11%) also admit they’d struggle to work alongside a natural leader, whilst 15% of UK women would prefer to avoid working alongside anyone with a blunt nature. 

Working with an astrologer, instantprint also delved deeper into how each of the signs varying strengths and weaknesses can impact the working environment.

Bex Milford of Cosmic Cures shared insight into the traits associated with the signs of the zodiac in a professional situation, as well as commenting on how the compatibility levels associated with the different signs can have significant effects on our relationships at work:

“Since certain signs resonate with different traits, it’s natural that some will find themselves more compatible in a working environment with others. Of course, it depends what industry they’re working with – in a big corporation, Capricorn and Aries will be strident leaders, although may struggle with the more ‘go with the flow’, creative nature of Pisces or the fixed (and sometimes stubborn) mentality of Taurus.

“As with all of these things, having a supportive mix assigned to different roles is the key – Virgos will love to plan, Leos will love to present, and Sagittarius will stride ahead with boundless enthusiasm.”

Bex also highlighted which signs may best complement each other in a working environment, and which are likely to encounter fractious relationships.

Opting for teams compiled of star signs such as Capricorn, Leo, Gemini, Virgo, Scorpio and Cancer can offer the perfect blend, according to the astrologer. Similarly, a team consisting of an Aries, Sagittarius, Taurus, Aquarius, Pisces and Libra bodes well for a successful group of colleagues.

·        Combine a naturally authoritative leader, Capricorn, with an organised Scorpio.

·        For your public speaking and communication needs, include a charismatic Leo, and curious Gemini.

·        Add a Scorpio for research-based skills

·        Include a Cancer for their caring nature to get a great team

·        Mix a passionate natural leader, Aries, with the inspiring teacher Sagittarius

·        Bring in a Taurus and Aquarius for your problem-solving needs

·         Complete the team with an intuitive Pisces and diplomatic Libra.

To learn more about the compatibility of star signs in the workplace, click here.

Head of instantprint Laura Mucklow commented on the survey findings:

“Finding a team of colleagues whose strengths and development areas complement each other is no easy task – no matter what the nature of the business. Likewise, as a manager, you want to help push employees to be the best version of themselves.

“Naturally, there is always going to be an eclectic mix of personalities thrown together in a workplace environment. It really is a fine balance as a leader to ensure you’re hiring the right mix of traits to ensure you’re getting the best out of everyone.

“The concept of hiring based on signs of the zodiac is something many of us understandably may not have considered, or necessarily have a strong belief in, but having a strong awareness of the different personality types you are hiring is always a benefit when building a successful team.”