Hello there,
Every team has its ups and downs, but nothing kills the work environment faster than a toxic employee. We all know the one, the person who is always complaining and never owning their mistakes, often causing drama. If this isn’t dealt with then their negativity spreads and often this brings the whole team down with them.
The truth is, toxicity doesn’t just stay with one person, it seeps into the culture and if you don’t deal with it then you risk losing your best employees. Eventually they will move on resulting in you inheriting even bigger problems within your company.
The question is how do you spot the warning signs? And more importantly, how do you fix it before it’s too late?
If you don’t step in you will start to see the signs which include constant negativity, blame-shifting, and a refusal to take accountability. The toxic employee will most likely gossip and stir up drama as well as throwing in some passive-aggressive digs which completely undermines their colleagues whenever they get the chance. If all of the above isn’t enough they can also play the favouritism game. This leads to creating tension and division in the team and driving rivalry that upsets everyone.
This isn’t just something we are reading about online, it is an issue which is very current in business. A Harvard Business Review study found that 78% of employees feel less committed to their organisation when they have to deal with a toxic colleague. The real worry here is that if you don’t handle it, you could risk losing your best employees and creating a very turbulent working environment.
Toxic employees don’t only slow things down and cause a horrible atmosphere, they are also a costly mistake. HBR found that keeping a potential toxic employee on board drains a company more than twice as much as hiring a top performer adds value. This isn’t just an HR headache, it is a real issue that is hitting the business world globally.
Studies show that:
So, how do you stop the damage before it’s too late? First off, tackle it early. Don’t wait for it to explode, call it out as soon as you see it. Set clear expectations and boundaries so everyone knows what’s okay and what’s not. It is also important to make sure your team feels safe speaking up, so suggest regular one to one’s or check in with the team as much as you can. Toxicity struggles to survive in a culture built on respect so foster that from the top down and make sure you hold everyone accountable and lead by example. Never brush off disrespect, because a little today turns into a lot tomorrow and really try to get to the root of the problem—why is this person acting this way? Sometimes, it’s stress, insecurity, or a lack of skills, and coaching might help. But if things don’t improve, act fast. The longer you leave it, the harder it is to fix.
Tackling workplace toxicity isn’t just about identifying and removing toxic employees, it’s about fostering a culture where positivity thrives. If you want to develop a mindset that handles workplace challenges with confidence, I can highly recommend
"The Culture Code" by Daniel Coyle.
This book dives deep into what makes great teams thrive and offers strategies to build a strong, healthy work environment. Coyle offers solutions and reasoning as to the toxic work environment culprit, and his experiences as well as how to handle this if you are on the receiving end.
Toxicity is like a virus because it spreads, infects, and damages teams faster than you think. But the good news? You have the power to stop it. Identify the signs, address the issue early, and set clear expectations to protect your team and your company.
Your team’s success is non-negotiable. One toxic person shouldn’t be the reason your best employees leave or land your business a costly mistake. Address the problem to protect your culture and keep your team strong. A healthy work environment doesn’t just happen, it is built over time.
If this resonated with you then share it with someone who needs to hear it.
Luke Tobin
To your unstoppable success!
Writer, The Success Method
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