Whinging at work costs companies up to 30 % of their gross profit, according to Australian-based business consultant, Richard Paterson.

Paterson said that whinger behaviours can be contagious, when whingers try to get other workers to agree with them.

A study conducted in the 1990s, identified four basic work personalities.

Volunteer - they have a positive impact and create momentum within an organisation. 22 % of staff operate at volunteer level.

Whinger - they diffuse productive energy and distract others. 30 % of staff are whingers.

Survivor - they focus more on self-preservation than on the organisation. 35 % of staff are survivors.

Prisoner - rarely found, these people are detached and don't care. They generally leave the organisation. 3 % of staff are prisoners.

The remaining percentage of staff move between the above personality states.

Are you a whinger?