6 types of toxic co-workers and how to handle them
In every workplace since the dawn of time, you can guarantee that you’ll find the same types of toxic co-workers. The toxicity varies from person to person, but prolonged exposure to any of their behaviours can have a dangerous effect on your performance at work.
Let’s face it, we’ve all had those days where we can’t face dragging ourselves out of bed and into the office; particularly if you don’t enjoy your job. However, dealing with toxic co-workers makes the day almost unbearable. They challenge your professionalism and wind you up until it seems near impossible to keep a level head.
Eventually, you’re left drained of mental strength, with a bleak outlook on your job. Even if you were previously a ray of positivity! Which is why it’s crucial that you act quickly if you find yourself in such a position. To give you a hand, we’ve created a guide to help you identify six of the worst types of toxic co-workers and how to handle them.
The backstabber
The problem with backstabbers is that they’ll be your friend at first. Only once they have your trust will you see their true colours. Getting too close to this kind of co-worker always ends with you getting burned.
Snaky co-workers will have no problem stealing your ideas, repeating conversations you had in private, or taking credit for work which isn’t their own. The only way to deal with a backstabber is to beat them at their own game.
Firstly, don’t give them any ammo to use against you. Don’t engage in office gossip and keep your ideas close to your chest. Once your other colleagues know you’re reliable, they’ll be less inclined to believe the backstabber’s false accusations.
As a last resort, confront them. Bring their shady behaviour to light and you’ll show that you won’t put up with toxic co-workers like this any longer.
The energy-drainer
With these toxic co-workers, it’s all take, take, take and absolutely no giving in return. You might notice that they come to you with their problems. Whether it’s about their workload, their private life or a presentation that went badly. But they never seem to ask, ‘how’s it going with you today?’.
As such, your association with this person is a massive drain on your energy reserves. You leave conversations with them feeling exhausted and frustrated. However, this co-worker can be hard to spot, so be vigilant around such negativity.
They’ll be quick to counteract positive people, but don’t give in to this attitude. Contain their behaviour by limiting it. Instead of lending an ear, keep the topic light and conversational. Or, make an excuse to remove yourself from the situation. Keep your reputation intact and don’t associate yourself with this kind of person!
The ‘I’m soooo busy’ one
This particular colleague loves to feel like they’re doing more than everyone else; even if it couldn’t be further from the truth. They want to be the centre of attention and spend most of the day complaining about how lazy everyone else is compared to them.
Be careful with handling toxic co-workers like this. While they might seem happy to take on extra work at first, no doubt you’ll end up getting an earful about it later. What’s more, if you put a foot wrong or slip up, they’ll be the first to call you out on it. Not only that, they’ll make sure everyone knows about your mistake.
The procrastinator
It’s natural to engage in office chit-chat; whether it’s about the latest Netflix series or something funny your partner did last night. In fact, it keeps people sane and the day ticking over. However, we all know a co-worker who takes the small talk too far.
When the time comes to get back to work, they’ll be quick to try and distract you in a bid to keep socialising. You might even be good friends with this person, but their attention-seeking ways are a massive productivity drain.
In fact, they do everything but work! Need a box carrying up the stairs? They’re the first ones to offer a hand. Making a cup of tea? Oh, they’ll join you. Before you know it, your work is piling up and you’re having to stay late to pick up the pieces. So, steer clear of the procrastinator and don’t give them the chance to distract you.
The one who knows EVERYTHING
These toxic co-workers are especially tricky to handle because they seem to have an answer for everything. They thrive off making others feel less intelligent and valuable than themselves. They’re quick to dismiss their colleagues’ contributions and love the sound of their own voice.
Unfortunately, this type of confidence can see people succeed in the office, simply by shouting others down. As a result, you may be left in an uncomfortable position. You can’t shut them down or ignore them when they’re in a more senior position to you.
In this scenario, the best course of action is to listen to what they have to say and get it over with as quickly as possible. It’s painful to be told something you already know, but know-it-alls don’t have to ruin your day. Try not to engage with them and hopefully they’ll get the hint in time – and you won’t ruin your professional relationship.
The office gossip
The gossiper is the one who’s most likely to get you in trouble at work over something completely trivial that they’ve heard on the grapevine. Sure, gossip is entertaining to listen to and makes for a half-decent pastime while at work. But what happens when you’re the subject of their tall tales?
The office gossip doesn’t have loyalties, so long as they’re able to spread their rumours. This behaviour can be totally destructive and it’s unwise to be associated with them, should your professional reputation be called into question.
The next time a gossip approaches you and tries to lure you in with their games, shut them down. If you don’t give them a reaction, they’re unlikely to come to you again. Another option is to point-blank say that you don’t want to get involved. It’s that easy!
Avoid these toxic co-workers and find a new workplace
Of course, after a while of trying to fight the advances of the office gossip or run the other way when you see the know-it-all, you’re bound to feel exhausted. Not to mention, you may fall out of love with your job. Which means you have to make a difficult decision; do you stay, or do you go?
If you’re convinced that it’s just your toxic co-workers affecting your performance, it’s worth speaking to your manager before you make any decisions you might regret. You never know, you might not be the only one who’s noticed their toxic behaviour.