How to handle a toxic coworker (no, of course it’s not you!)

Published on 4th September, 2024 at 02:39 pm

They can drain energy and make the environment feel more negative and less productive. Here’s how to spot one and how to handle them.

Reading time: 3 minutes

In this article, you’ll learn:

• How negative co-workers can impact well-being
• What toxic behaviour in the workplace looks like
• How to deal with toxicity and negativity to protect your peace

Having a toxic co-worker severely impacts the overall culture and is harmful to our productivity and well-being. In fact, a salary survey conducted in 2023 revealed that over half of the corporate workforce – 62% – have ‘rage applied’ for new positions because of a negative working environment. This is why it’s something that Nike Wadds, Director of Stand Tall Consulting, is seeing play out in the real world.

“As a career coach, I have supported numerous clients who have struggled with toxic work environments, which often lead to poor self-esteem, depression and burnout as well as doubts relating to their chosen career path,” she explains.

But what, exactly, does toxic behaviour in the workplace look like?

Defining and identifying toxicity

A toxic workplace can be manifested in different ways, from discrimination to unfair treatment, and can be defined as one with such overwhelming negative factors that it affects the well-being of those within it. This treatment is often the result of certain toxic co-workers who are making things unpleasant for everyone.

Some red flags Nike advises you to look out for include:

• Taking credit for other’s work. “This could be direct, such as presenting other people’s work as one’s own, or indirect such as failing to acknowledge the input of others when presenting to higher management.”
• Gossiping or engaging in rumours. “While occasionally with close peers this behaviour is normal, persistent negative talk about others and spreading rumours creates a toxic and unproductive workspace for everyone.”
• Staff mistreatment by managers “This involves several things, ranging from unreasonable expectations regarding workload and hours worked, low pay, or poor or dangerous working conditions.”
• Bullying behaviour “This could be verbal, physical or emotional abuse. Emotional abuse is often hard to identify and can include ‘pranking’ and belittling others, especially in front of coworkers, or deliberate ostracism.”
• Physical and verbal harassment “This could be blatant continuous harassment, acts or remarks which mock someone based on their gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity or race, religion, age or disability.”

How to handle it

So, what can you do if there is a toxic coworker at your workplace? Nike says that the strategy for dealing with them depends on the specific circumstances.
Here are some approaches that she suggests:

• Assessing the impact it’s having “You need to ask yourself if the toxic behaviour affecting your or other’s emotional, mental or physical well-being and the ability to do your work effectively?” If it is, action is necessary.”
• Addressing smaller issues directly “For minor issues, such as inappropriate remarks made out of ignorance not malice, consider speaking privately with the coworker to explain how their behaviour affected you.”
• Serious issue? Report it “For serious issues, like blatant harassment, report the behaviour according to company policy and escalate it as necessary. Follow the appropriate procedures to ensure the issue is addressed properly.”
• Considering mediation for grievances “If you have a grievance with a specific individual, propose a mediated conversation with the person and a neutral facilitator, such as an HR representative or a trusted manager.”
• Coming up with an exit plan “If you’ve exhausted all channels to address the behaviour and the toxic environment persists, prioritise your well-being. Start planning your next career move to find a healthier work environment.”

It’s also important for you as an individual to make sure you protect your well-being when you’re at the office. Some ways Nike recommends you do this is by setting boundaries and focusing on positive connections, making self-care a priority and, if necessary, seeking professional help and support. Because no one should let one bad colleague ruin their professional environment and experience!