6 Signs of A Toxic Coworker and How to Deal with Them

A few years ago, I joined a corporate office as a junior despite having experiences of more than three years since it was a career shift for me. The workplace was amazing in many ways, amazing until I started to meet certain people and get to know certain traits of the company. I was assigned to a relatively larger team consisting of 35 people at that time and we were working in three shifts five days a week. Most of my colleagues were really nice and great human beings. There was one who was aggressive and foul-mouthed with us newcomers but very gentle and polite in front of the seniors and he used to blame the newcomers for his own mistakes while working. I tried to talk to a few coworkers and other acquaintances whom I trusted and found that he didn’t have a very good reputation among the others but still tolerated him as he was a bully to the newcomers and to his junior colleagues. After a certain time, I learned my lesson, changed my shift time, and tried to avoid that colleague at all costs. But despite that, I tried to maintain a good personal relationship with him. Now that is someone whom I would never hesitate to call a toxic coworker because that’s actually what he is.

Workplace toxicity is a prevalent issue in many organizations, causing employees stress, burnout, and even mental health problems. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to spot a toxic co-worker and it’s even harder to avoid them. In this post, we will try to explore what workplace toxicity is, the signs of toxic co-workers, and how to avoid them.

Workplace toxicity refers to a hostile or unpleasant work environment that results from negative attitudes, behaviors, or practices of one or more employees or even the supervisor or managers. It can be caused by a wide range of factors, such as bullying, harassment, discrimination, or conflict. The effects of workplace toxicity can be devastating, which can impact employee morale, productivity, and mental health.

So, how do we spot a toxic co-worker? Here are six signs to look out for:

1. Gossiping and spreading rumors.
2. Constantly criticizing or undermining colleagues.
3. Making passive-aggressive comments or insults.
4. Being uncooperative or not working well with others.
5. Blaming others for their mistakes.
6. Being overly competitive or jealous.

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If you notice any of these signs in a colleague, it is important to avoid them as much as possible. Here are some tips on how to do so:

1. Keep Your Distance and Set Boundaries: The easiest way to avoid a toxic coworker is to keep your distance. Try to avoid interacting with them as much as possible, and focus on your work instead. And also, be clear about what you are comfortable with and what you are not. Whenever a co-worker is about to cross the boundary, let them know that you do not want to be invaded.
2. Document Everything: If you do have to interact with a toxic coworker, make sure to document everything. Keep a record of any incidents that happen, and take note of any comments or behavior that make you feel uncomfortable. There are people who might twist even a simple conversation, so it’s better to document whenever possible.
3. Speak Up: If you feel comfortable, speak up and let the toxic coworker know that their behavior is neither acceptable nor appropriate. It’s important to stand up for yourself and others, and let toxic coworkers know that their behavior is not welcome.
4. Seek Support: Surround yourself with supportive coworkers who will be there for you and offer you a shoulder to lean on. It’s also important to seek support from friends and family outside of work.
5. Take Care of Yourself: Make sure to prioritize self-care, such as taking breaks, eating well, and getting enough sleep. Taking care of yourself will help you to better handle toxic coworkers and protect your mental health.
6. Stay Professional: Try to keep your interactions with a toxic co-worker as professional as possible. Avoid getting into arguments or personal conversations with them.
7. Avoid Unnecessary Interactions: If possible, try to minimize your interactions with a toxic co-worker. Focus on your work and do not get drawn into their negativity. Not always a co-worker has to be your friend or well-wisher.
8. Speak to HR: If the situation is severe, consider speaking to HR or manager or your reporting boss. They may be able to help resolve the issue and create a safer work environment.

Workplace toxicity can have a significant impact on you, but there are always some ways to avoid toxic co-workers. Be aware of the signs, set your personal and professional boundaries, and speak directly to HR or manager or your reporting supervisor if necessary, you can protect yourself from a hostile work environment.

Stay healthy, stay productive!