17 years have passed since the first episode of The Office aired, and fans are as fond as ever of the workplace comedy. News that John Krasinski and Steve Carrell are due to reunite in new movie If is an exciting prospect for fans who first became acquainted with the pair on the mockumentary series.
With clearcut personalties written in for each character, audiences were able to get to know the Dunder Mifflin employees as if they were part of their own lives. With that said, it’s become apparent over the 9 seasons which characters would have made the best colleagues, for a whole variety of reasons.
Jim
Pam and Jim’s journey became a great focal point of The Office, even through the agonizing episodes of the pair not confessing their true feelings for one another. As a character, Jim is the most down to earth employee at Dunder Mifflin. His looks at the cameras acknowledge the absurdity that came from Michael and some others.
His normality is part of the reason he would be such a good colleague. There’s no real hidden motive from Jim, but he’s great to have a laugh with. Every job has its mundane moments and can need something to liven things up. Jim’s pranks always brought entertainment to his colleagues (although not for Dwight,) and kept the office environment entertaining.
Stanley
Stanley might not be the first character that springs to mind for title of ‘best colleague,’ but watching him closely can bring to light the reasons he definitely qualifies as being so.
First off, Stanley pretty much keeps himself to himself. Some of his unsavory antics do become apparent, but all he wants to do is get his job done and go home. The lack of drama from him is also shown when Karen expresses her distaste for Phyllis’ perfume, to which Stanley explains that he’s just put up with it. Although speaking the truth is often the right thing to do, sometimes, a colleague who keeps quiet to reduce any tension, is ideal.
Pam
Pam comes across as fairly shy at the start of the series, but her reserved ways weren’t to be mistaken for a person who was boring, or incapable of doing her job well, with plenty of proof that Pam was the best receptionist in The Office.
Pam is a kind person, who most people would feel comfortable being around. She brings a warmth to Dunder Mifflin (and the show) that can only be seen as a favorable quality in a colleague. Like Jim, she has a grounded personality, making her easy to work alongside.
Karen
Although not an original member of the cast, Karen was certainly a welcome presence on the show. She fitted in with some others, because she didn’t take herself too seriously and was able to see the funny side of things.
Having said that, Karen was obviously also very driven in her career. She’s seen at a later date to have moved to a higher position in the company. Being amongst people that have high standards and goals, can inspire those around them to achieve and go on to do great things.
Erin
Like a breath of fresh air, Erin joined Dunder Mifflin with her quirky ways in abundance and a vibrant spring in her step. For audiences, the character was always amusing to watch and for her paper merchant colleagues, she was fun to have around.
Erin had a lot of sweet moments and tried her best in her job role, giving just as much commitment to having fun. She showed a willingness to help others and became an important part of the whole office.
Toby
For anyone like Michael, Toby maybe wouldn’t be the first choice of colleague. But Michael doesn’t really have much to back up his argument.
Toby is a harmless character. He sticks to his job and attempts to be a loyal HR rep for his workmates. Working in such a department requires a personality that people feel that can go to and trust their issues will be kept confidential. Although timid, Toby never wants to hurt anyone and knows the rules of the workplace very well. An ideal colleague for all.
Michael
The controversial and sometimes unappreciated boss of the Scranton branch is something of an acquired taste. It’s true that for some, they’d rather not work with such a person. But there are plenty of reasons why Michael actually makes the best colleague.
Michael is funny, albeit sometimes unintentionally, but characters like Jim were able to find the comedy in Michael’s outlandish ways. Furthermore, his kindness can get lost amongst his desperate need to be liked, but there are moments that really prove his loyalty, just as when he turned up to Pam’s art show. Although there are quotes that perfectly sum up Michael as a character, there’s more to him than meets the eye.
Phyllis
As with a lot of office work places, each employee can end up being given a title that fits the way they act at work. There may be the gossip or the efficient one. But for Phyllis, she fitted the role of a motherly figure.
This is shown early on in the series, when she notices Pam and Jim’s spark and even when Jim appears to have moved on. Phyllis displays a concern and interest in both instances, which continues throughout her time at Dunder Mifflin. It’s comforting to have a colleague that can be confided in, knowing there’s someone to turn to when it’s needed.
Oscar
As an accountant, Oscar is very good at his job. Not only is it evident in his work, but other employees recognize his capability, sometimes turning to him for advice.
Because he’s a gentle person, he is willing to offer help to anyone who may be failing to understand something or even intervene before something goes horribly wrong. Having a colleague who is on top of things and understands what’s happening to the company is super beneficial to the rest of the team, even encouraging reasons why Oscar should have been manager.
Darryl
The Office does spend more time looking at the workers in the office itself, but some episodes open up to the warehouse, which is every bit as integral to the running of the whole business.
One of the most important members of the warehouse is Darryl, who’s funny, switched on and good at his job. Those qualities are emphasized through the fact that Jim wants Darryl to join his company after he sets off on a new career path. Having a colleague who is straight talking and doesn’t suffer fools gladly, is always handy to have around, especially when they’re a good person.
