How To Deal With Toxic Employees

When we talk about dealing with toxic people, we know that one solution is to distance ourselves from them. In some situations, however, this is not an option. In the workplace, for example, we can sometimes be exposed to a toxic person without having any choice but to persevere and deal with this every day without a chance to avoid him or her.

In addition to meeting this person every day, we must also work with him, achieve concrete goals together with the person (or as part of a group) and do this successfully. This can be disappointing, but we can handle it.

7 types of toxic employees

First, we will differentiate between the seven types of toxic employees that we can find in the workplace:

1. The protagonists. These are the people who always try to be the center of events. They take control of conversations and force their views on others. They are always very competitive and do everything necessary to achieve their goals.

2. The unreliable. The unreliable never respect deadlines. They are always behind with their work, arrive late for meetings or work, etc. Their irresponsibility affects others in the work group.

The gossipers. The workplace is the perfect environment for this type of person. We see them especially during the coffee break when they comment on other people’s actions or share information about them. Sometimes they can act as “spies” and inform their bosses about irrelevant details, but which cause other harm.

4. The apathetic. Among the worst employees are those who do their job in an extremely inefficient way. They do not care about the work or their employees. They follow the “law of minimal effort”, which often has negative effects on the working group.

5. Brush heads. The brush heads always seem very busy. This is why they will never greet you or offer you a smile. They do not like to work in groups, but prefer to work alone.

6. The contradictory. These people never agree with the opinions or decisions of others. They always say no. It is very difficult to work with them because it is so difficult to come to an agreement.

7. The competition-oriented. Their competitive mentality knows no bounds. They never let a good opportunity go unnoticed. They are always waiting to steal the success of others in the eyes of managers.

How do we protect ourselves from toxic employees?

As we mentioned, it is difficult to avoid toxic employees because we have to work with them every day. That is why we must ask ourselves: how can we work with them without being influenced by them?

To begin with , we must not allow ourselves to be drawn into their game. Our best alternative is not to let ourselves be swept away by someone who is constantly angry or who always wants to be the center of events. We must accept them, but without letting them influence us.

If it really affects you and you can not avoid it, you should reflect on the situation. Think about why they affect you so much, if there is anything you can do to prevent them from affecting you as they do and what you can possibly change. Change your perspective, try to see things from a humorous point of view or as an opportunity to learn something. It will help you.

If you are dealing with toxic employees , never seek their approval. If you do, you give them power and underestimate yourself. They will never praise your work, so show your pride, do your job as best you can and, most importantly, respect your employees even if they are toxic people.

Can it ever be good to have a toxic employee?

Not all toxic employees affect us negatively. Although it may be hard to believe, many of them can increase our productivity.

Having a gossipy employee can, for example, be beneficial. Gossip allows us to disconnect and strengthen a group. In addition to improving productivity, they can also help make the office environment relaxed, increase camaraderie and promote higher efficiency within the group.

Everyone is talking about everyone else. The problem is when it is used as a negative mechanism or if we believe everything we are told.

People who continuously disagree with others can also strengthen the group. Why? Because they allow us to see the “other side of the coin”, consider the other point of view and be aware of whether we are on the right track in the work.

It’s good if everyone shares the same opinion, but it can also mean that something is going wrong. Problems arise when someone continually plays the role of the devil’s advocate, only for the purpose of irritating others.