The title of McFadden’s novel emphasizes its workplace setting. Placing a spotlight on corporate culture, The Coworker explores the uniquely challenging and often deceptive nature of relationships in a high-pressure corporate environment. Through her characters’ various machinations, the author illustrates the power plays, alliances, and rivalries that often unfold between those who work together.

Dawn’s experience at Vixed underlines the unspoken rules and complex social pressures that characterize a standard office setting. Work life demands a level of conformity that is unachievable for her, and the emails between Dawn and her colleagues demonstrate that she is always out of step with the company’s culture. McFadden humorously contrasts the formal tone of Dawn’s messages with her boss’s casual responses. Similarly, when Dawn enthusiastically responds to a group bridal shower invitation, Natalie sharply corrects her email etiquette, responding, “For God’s sake, Dawn, you don’t need to always hit “reply all” on emails!!!” (165). Meanwhile, Dawn’s observations of Natalie and Kim chatting in the office convey her unspoken envy at witnessing their casual social ease: a skill that continuously eludes her.

Dawn’s accounts of working in the office highlight how workplace culture encourages a sameness of register and outlook that excludes differences.