It seems all is not well in offices across Australia - as a study reveals that back stabbing is widespread in the nation’s workplaces.

The survey, by OnePoll, revealed that a typical female employee spends around 20 minutes a day complaining or gossiping about someone they work with - and this is often done on email or via instant messaging. And while you may think you enjoy a close working relationship with your team perhaps it’s time to beware, as one in five employees have declared they hate their colleagues and of those close to two thirds regularly indulge in office gossip about the people they work with.

The research found that the number one cause of tension in the office was the boss. Two out of five females declared that their colleagues caused them annoyance because they were “jealous” or “saw them as a threat”. While for men, their major complaint was co-workers who were lazy or had “ideas above their station”. Yes, your colleagues can be the cause of stress, but developing a better working relationship could also be the key to plummeting stress levels. And if you’re still tempted to gossip perhaps the fact that one in 20 workers has sent an inappropriate message to the wrong person, will make you think twice.

How do you feel about your colleagues? Do you socialise regularly with them? Do you feel they hold you back? Let us know - we promise to maintain your anonymity!