The Office: 10 Times We Were All Erin At Work

Erin Hannon became the lovable receptionist of Dunder Mifflin Scranton after Pam left to work for the Michael Scott Paper Company. While shy at first, Erin came into her own and treated her coworkers like family. After all, Erin was a product of the foster system and all she ever wanted was a family-like atmosphere. It was because of this that she and Michael had such a great connection later in the series; he too viewed the office as his family. 

As Erin became more comfortable at Dunder Mifflin, she did and said things that were all too familiar in the office that viewers resonated with. She dealt with obnoxious coworkers, she feared being replaced, and she made friends with those around her. No matter how goofy Erin can be, she had some pretty relatable work moments on The Office.

10 Jitters Around Your Intimidating Boss

Robert California was an intimidating force when he came to Dunder Mifflin. He started as the regional manager but soon became CEO. But even in that position, he spent a lot of time at the Scranton branch. His presence made Erin nervous and she wanted to do a good job. 

When she asked him if he wanted a cold beverage and he replied with “coffee,” Erin assumed he meant cold coffee since she asked if he wanted a cold beverage. The look on Robert’s face when Erin gave him a mug of cold coffee was priceless but her nervous jitters were all too real when it comes to having a new boss. 

9 Office Holiday Parties Are Hit Or Miss

Office parties can either be amazing or horrible. Some people don’t want to mix and mingle with their coworkers. They see them enough during the work week that additional time with them at a party is too much. 

Erin enjoyed most of the office’s themed parties but she hated season 8’s holiday party. Andy brought his girlfriend Jessica and Erin was wildly jealous. The only way to make it through that party was with the help of alcohol. Erin, of course, isn’t alone. Some holiday parties are not worth the hype. 

8 She’s Proud Of Her Work Accomplishments

When Erin is awarded a Dundie for being the “cutest redhead in the office,” she’s honored for the nomination and the win. She’s so thrilled, in fact, that she hangs the nomination in a frame by her desk. No one else at the Scranton branch cared too much about their Dundies, but Erin was thrilled to be recognized at all. 

This excitement is relatable for anyone working in an office environment and is awarded for their hard work. When there are times that people feel invisible or unacknowledged, looking at their accomplishments is extra motivation. 

7 When Someone Gives You A New Responsibility Without Further Instruction

Before Pam runs out the door to spend the day in Philly with Darryl and Jim, she tells Erin that a shipment of pens is coming in and all Erin needs to do is sign for them. The new task, however, is too much for Erin to comprehend. She felt like she needed more instruction on what to do with the pens after they arrived. She panicked.

Likewise, any time a coworker asks someone for a favor at work that’s unfamiliar territory, it’s impossible to not feel a twinge of anxiety. 

6 Covering For A Friend At Work Is Easier Thanks To Erin

When Darryl starts working for Athlead in Philly, he’s not ready to leave Dunder Mifflin completely because he was essentially getting paid for both jobs. With Erin’s help, she was able to distract everyone while he sneaked out to go to Philly. Erin had so much fun covering for her coworker and took steps to protect his absence from other workers. 

For anyone with a close work buddy, covering for each other happens from time to time. But in case anyone runs out of ideas for how to cover for a friend, just do what Erin did!

5 When You Feel Overlooked At Work

When Andy becomes regional manager, his dynamic with Erin changed. There was no more flirtation between the two — he was now her boss. And sadly, Andy didn’t always think Erin was great at her job. In one scene, he asked Pam to send a fax for him instead of Erin. Erin took this as an insult and watched Pam send the fax to see if she did something different. 

Feeling overlooked at work is something that a lot of employees feel. No matter how hard they work or how attentive they are, there’s always going to be competition in the office. 

4 That One Annoying Coworker

The only person in the office that Erin didn’t like or get along with was Holly Flax, and this is mainly because of her past treatment of Michael. Erin was protective of Michael and didn’t think Holly deserved him. To protect his heart, Erin was not overly friendly to Holly. Being friends with everyone in the office is sometimes unrealistic because of contrasting personalities. Some people have coworkers that make them feel the same way Erin feels about Holly. 

And while Erin was saying “Talk to me that way again and I’ll rip your face off” to Andy (not Holly), there are plenty of people who wish they could say that to coworkers who bother them. 

3 When You Have To Put On A Good Face For Your Boss

Although Michael Scott is one of Scranton’s longest working employees, there’s a ton of things that he doesn’t understand when it comes to office life. In the scene, he had no idea what a staple was, and sweet Erin answered as plainly as she could so as not to embarrass him. Pam has also had to act similarly when it comes to Michael’s silly questions. 

Putting on a brave face and not judging someone for not knowing what a staple is — as an office worker — is a superpower. 

2 Reach For The Stars!

When Pam was a receptionist, it was something that she fell into and couldn’t get out of for years because of its familiarity and comfortability. Over time, Pam grew tired and quit her receptionist job for a new title. Erin, however, was happy being a receptionist because she was just thankful to have a job.

Adorably, she admits that she never thought of being a receptionist but when she was hired, that’s what she became. She later goes on to wonder if she applied for a CEO or brain surgeon position if she’d be hired then. While her credentials were perfect for a receptionist, Erin does subtly encourage others to shoot for the stars and to apply for dream positions, because you never know what could happen. 

1 The Clingy Coworker

Erin adored Michael but there were times when she needed her space. In this scene, Michael refused to go back to his office and sat on the floor by her desk because he simply liked the attention he got. And even though Erin genuinely liked Michael, that didn’t mean it wasn’t annoying.  Thinking about a coworker sulking by a person’s desk all day simply because they liked the attention would be frustrating for anyone. 

About The Author

Lynn Gibbs
(1644 Articles Published)

Lynn is a nomad who travels the globe on the hunt for her next adventure with her husband. A lover of being outside (and finding the best latte in town), Lynn is typically hiking, walking, or jogging when she’s not focusing on her love of writing. When it comes to shows streaming on Netflix or anything Bravo-related, Lynn’s your gal.

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