7 signs you can't trust your coworkers

In John Le Carre's classic spy novel "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy," British agent George Smiley becomes convinced that someone in his agency is a Soviet mole.

The outcome of your office gripe probably won't determine the fate of a wide network of secret agents. You also probably can't use Cold War spycraft to deal with potentially treacherous coworkers (probably, I don't know your life).

Still, it's crucial that you identify and recognize duplicitous individuals in your workplace, as they have the potential to wreak damage on your career.

You're particularly at risk if you work in a low-trust environment.

According to Brandon Smith, a workplace therapist, consultant, and professor, such work climates are distinguished by high pressure competition between employees, bosses that play favorites, rampant gossip, and a lack of cooperation, and frequent instances of food being stolen from the break room fridge (no, seriously).

Any of that sound familiar? Well here are some clear warning signs you can't trust your coworkers, along with some tips on how to deal with such individuals: