A recent poll has found that people are feeling more competitive with their colleagues, according to CPA Practice Advisor. The poll, conducted by staffing firm Robert Half, found that 28 percent of workers reported that the level of competition between employees at their company is higher than a year ago. Young people are more likely to have reported this: 35 percent of those aged 18 to 24 and 37 percent of those aged 25 to 40 said this, versus 14 percent of those aged 55 and older. Men, at 32 perent, wer also more likely to report this, versus women at 24 percent, as are those with children, 37 percent, versus those without, 18 percent. The three most competitive cities, according to this poll, are Austin (42 percent), Houston (40 percent) and Miami (38 percent).

This result seems to make sense in light of the massive wave of unemployment that has swept across the country over the past few months. With workers increasingly anxious over the fate of their livlihoods, it could make sense that they may feel a rising sense of competition with each other. If someone is going to take a pay cut or get fired, they don't want it to be them.