Same Level
• The people you work with are your colleagues or coworkers. They are normally on the same level, although a boss might also refer to my “colleagues”.
• Someone you share an office with your “office mate”.
• In work situation, the work “peer” means someone on the same hierarchical level.
• If someone has the same position as you, but in a different department or organization, you might speak of your “opposite number” or “counterpart”.
• A more general word is “associate”. This can be used for colleagues as well for other people you work or do business with.
• A “business partner” is someone you deal with professionally, but the term often refers specifically to someone with whom you co-own a business.
Different Levels
The system by which decisions are passed from people at the top of an organization to people at lower levels is sometimes called the “chain of command”.
• The word “subordinate” is not generally used when talking about a person who works for you, as it can sound a bit arrogant.
• In Britain, a “line manager” is someone who is one level higher that you and responsible for the work you do.
• A “supervisor” makes sure that workers are doing their job properly.