Learn how to deal with toxic coworkers in a stern and effective way. Identify the signs of toxicity, set healthy boundaries, and seek support and solutions

How to Deal with Toxic Coworkers: A Stern and Effective Guide

We all have encountered toxic coworkers at some point in our careers. They are the ones who spread gossip, bully others, slack off, or sabotage projects. They can make our work lives miserable and affect our performance and well-being.

But how can we cope with these difficult people and protect ourselves from their negative influence? Here are some tips to help you deal with toxic coworkers in a stern and effective way.

Identify the toxic behaviors

The first step is to recognize the signs of toxicity in your coworkers. According to a Fierce Inc. study, four out of five employees currently work or have worked with a potentially toxic coworker. Some of the common toxic behaviors include:

  • Gossiping: Spreading rumors, lies, or personal information about others
  • Bullying: Intimidating, threatening, or humiliating others
  • Slacking: Procrastinating, avoiding responsibilities, or doing poor quality work
  • Sabotaging: Undermining, interfering, or stealing credit from others
  • Lone wolfing: Refusing to cooperate, share information, or support others

If you notice any of these behaviors in your coworkers, you should be alert and cautious. As Gary Chapman, author of Rising Above a Toxic Workplace, says: "Trust is a fragile commodity. Know your code of conduct and the values you stand for. Remember: if you wouldn’t want to explain it on ‘60 Minutes,’ don’t do it."

Set healthy boundaries

The second step is to establish clear and respectful boundaries with your toxic coworkers. You don't have to be friends with them, but you should be professional and civil. Here are some ways to set boundaries:

  • Communicate assertively: Express your needs, opinions, and expectations in a confident and respectful way. Don't let them intimidate you or manipulate you into doing something you don't want to do. "If you can’t stay away from a toxic coworker, then call them out politely. You’re going to be saying what others wish they could. Silence is not always golden, and if you nudge a toxic coworker towards a more positive way of dealing with things, you may be giving them help they didn’t know they needed." - April Masini
  • Avoid unnecessary interactions: Limit your contact with them as much as possible. Don't engage in their gossip, drama, or negativity. Politely decline their invitations to socialize if you don't feel comfortable.
  • Focus on your work: Don't let them distract you from your goals and priorities. Concentrate on your tasks and responsibilities and deliver high-quality work. Seek feedback and recognition from your manager and other supportive coworkers.

Seek support and solutions

The third step is to seek help and advice from others when dealing with toxic coworkers. You don't have to suffer in silence or handle everything on your own. Here are some sources of support and solutions:

  • Talk to someone you trust: Find a coworker, friend, or family member who can listen to you and empathize with you. Venting your frustrations can help you relieve stress and gain perspective.
  • Consult with HR or your manager: If the toxic behavior is severe or persistent, you may need to report it to HR or your manager. They can help you address the issue and protect your rights and interests.
  • Consider changing jobs: If the situation is unbearable or unsolvable, you may want to look for other opportunities. Sometimes, leaving a toxic environment is the best option for your career and well-being.

Recap:

Toxic coworkers can have a detrimental impact on your work environment and your larger organization. According to Harvard Business School research, avoiding a toxic hire or letting one go quickly delivers $12,500 in cost savings. Moreover, toxic work environments can result in reduced performance, lower commitment, increased turnover, decreased well-being, and damaged reputation.

Therefore, it is important to deal with toxic coworkers in a stern and effective way. By identifying the toxic behaviors, setting healthy boundaries, and seeking support and solutions, you can cope with these difficult people and thrive in your work.