Tackling Toxic Employees: Identify, manage and minimise toxicity in the Workplace
We don’t often talk about toxic employees but sadly in some businesses they do exist. In reality, a toxic employee is not merely someone going through a rough patch or having a bad day. Instead, they are individuals whose consistent behaviours and attitudes negatively impact the environment and others around them.
The truth is – toxic employees can be anyone in your business, holding titles such as directors, managers, or any position for that matter. A job title doesn't exempt anyone from being a toxic influence.
This toxicity can manifest in various forms and most commonly in these 7 types of Toxic Employees.
The Bulldozer
Known for their loud, disruptive presence, these individuals tend to steamroll over others' contributions to get their own way. These employees believe it's their way or the highway (and it’s definitely not!).
The Passive-Aggressive One
They won’t say it to your face, but oh, will you feel it. Sarcasm, bitterness and snarky remarks are huge red flags.
The Chronic Complainer
Nothing is ever right or good enough for this employee. Despite your efforts to accommodate and satisfy them, they always pick holes, find a way to create issues and bring everyone down with them.
The Knowledge Hoarder
Preferring isolation over collaboration, they keep crucial business insights to themselves, believing it solidifies their job security. No one wants that kind of manipulation and blackmail in their team.
The Prideful One
Quick to gloat about their successes but slow to realise when they’re wrong, and completely unresponsive when it comes to criticism. Just like The Bulldozers, they truly believe they’re “always right”.
The Gossipmonger
Going beyond the normal office chit-chat, they constantly gossip and spread rumours about colleagues, business leaders or the company. Let’s stop spilling the tea in the office and keep the storytelling on the big screen.
The Underperformer
High expectations are met with incredibly low results. Marked by a pattern of excuses and consistent failure to meet goals, they often shift their responsibilities onto other colleagues.
But before you start going on a firing spree, let’s talk tactics.
It might go without saying, but just to be clear, here are just a few things we'd strongly recommend you don’t do...
Don't bring any issues up in front of the whole team – as a leader, it’s your responsibility to handle the situation professionally and privately. Avoid outing someone's behaviour - it only adds fuel to the fire.
Don't terminate without proof – you’re only asking for a tribunal claim. Make sure you follow process, gather evidence and provide solutions before taking any action.
Don't disrespect the toxic team member – everyone knows, you don't fight fire with fire. So make sure you don't fight toxic employees with more toxicity. It’s your responsibility to remain professional and respectful!
Don't take it personally - remember that their actions probably have nothing to do with you. Remain objective and approach the situation with empathy.
We would suggest you:
Identify the Root Cause - while some individuals might inherently exhibit toxic traits, often, a specific incident or ongoing situation triggers this behaviour.
Gather Facts - compile clear, factual evidence of any inappropriate or negative actions, including detailed accounts and any formal complaints.
Communicate - regular, honest conversations can expose underlying issues and help prevent misunderstandings.
Be Candid and Clear - give the employee the hard cold facts. The employee may be unaware of their impact on others. Offer them constructive criticism, propose solutions, and provide an opportunity to rectify their behaviour.
Although the red flags may be the same, each toxic situation and employee is completely unique. Therefore, to effectively remove toxicity from your workplace, you need an effective strategy in place.
Call in the experts and together we can create a strategy to identify, manage, and, if necessary, transition toxic employees out of your business fairly and effectively.