Meet my coworker

We've all had that 'needy coworker,' right? The one who always needs something, is constantly checking in, or just seems to demand your attention more than others. In the traditional office, it can be a challenge to navigate. But since moving to a work-from-home setup, I've discovered a whole new level of 'needy coworker' – and it comes in the form of my adorable, yet utterly demanding, tabby cat, Moudy. Moudy has truly embraced the WFH lifestyle. Every morning, as I settle into my black and blue gaming chair, ready for my first meeting, he's there. Not just in the room, but often perched right beside me, or even on my lap. He's a master of the 'attentive stare,' looking straight at the screen as if he's fully locked in on every presentation. The OCR even caught him looking incredibly focused, like a true professional ready to contribute. He'll sit there, collar with its blue tag jingling softly, intently watching. But don't let that focused facade fool you – beneath that serious exterior is a cat who, much like a human needy coworker, craves constant interaction and validation. His 'needy' behaviors are varied and creative. During a particularly important work-from-home meeting, I might find his tail gently draped over my keyboard, or a paw reaching out to tap my arm for a head scratch. Sometimes, if I'm too engrossed, he'll let out a plaintive meow, clearly indicating that his needs are not being met. It’s hilariously disruptive, and I often find myself excusing myself for a moment to give him the required petting, just to get back to my tasks. It reminds me a bit of those human colleagues who might pop into your DMs every hour, asking for updates or just a quick chat, often breaking your flow. While Moudy's needs are mostly for attention, food, and cuddles, it's a funny parallel to how we manage our human 'needy' colleagues. I've learned to set boundaries – sometimes a firm 'no, Moudy, I'm working' or physically moving him to his own comfy bed nearby. Similarly, with human coworkers, it’s about clear communication, setting expectations, and finding a balance between helpfulness and maintaining your own productivity. Having Moudy as my constant, furry companion in these work-from-home meetings has taught me a lot about patience and managing interruptions, all while adding a huge dose of cuteness to my workday. Does anyone else have a pet who's taken on the role of the most 'needy' (and adorable) coworker?