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.