How to deal with a toxic co-worker?

When someone at your office drains your motivation and makes you feel uninspired, you might be working with a toxic colleague. Regardless of your industry, you will most likely encounter someone who drains your mental energy. In Fact, according to research conducted by Dr. Lindsay McMillan in 2016, 14% percent of workers in Australia described the workplace environment as toxic, while  20%  of the workers have faced major problems in communication with the boss or a colleague.  Moreover, a staggering 50% of workers report having faced workplace conflict or negativity. Is this something you've experienced before?

Experiencing toxic behavior at work can impact not only your professional life but also your personal life. It's likely that your morale, job satisfaction, and productivity can reduce significantly. In broader terms, one's misconduct and toxicity can ruin the entire team's performance; it may also result in team dysfunction and diverted management attention. According to the Harvard Business School report 2015, a toxic employee on payroll can cost the average business an additional $15,169 per year. 

If you've come across a toxic co-worker at your office, Here are some steps you can take to deal with it:

1. Engage in a conversation

You cannot expect a toxic person to wake up and realize that their demeanor might be destructive or damaging for someone else. Thus it is important to make an honest attempt and give them some constructive feedback. Even though it is not possible to change someone's personality, you can make them aware of how their behavior impacts your mental health and morale. Just remember not to yell at the other person and to have a calm conversation instead. Trying to resolve the issue by engaging in conversation and resolving the issue amongst yourselves is the optimum way of dealing with a toxic co-worker.

1. Know your emotional capacity

If having a conversation with your co-worker doesn't work. The next step should be controlling yourself. When you're dealing with toxic colleagues, concentrate on how you show up at work each day. Stay present in your workplace, and seek out support if you need it. When you're dealing with a problematic colleague it's likely for your mind to choose between a "fight or flight" response. It's wiser to choose the flight response and take time to recharge outside work or take short breaks during working hours. Engaging in a fight with a toxic person might lead to further exhaustion and result in deteriorating your mental health.

1.  Hold on to your moral values

Dealing with a toxic person might bring the worst in all, so refuse to stoop down to their level. Instead, counter their toxicity with a calm and optimistic approach. Be a role model of how you want others to behave and make your integrity your strength. Taking this approach might not change their behavior but reduce the impact of their toxicity.  

1.  Discuss it with your boss

When the situation intensifies and you can no longer ignore it, it's time to talk to your boss. When having this conversation, be mature and professional. The issue must be presented as a work issue that is affecting team morale and productivity. It would be better to hold a team meeting, so your boss gets the opportunity to discuss the matter at hand without singling out anyone.

Resources:

https://www.fastcompany.com/90418580/3-strategies-for-dealing-with-a-toxic-coworker

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/five-ways-deal-toxic-coworkers-rafael-maga%C3%B1a/

https://hbr.org/2018/04/4-ways-to-deal-with-a-toxic-coworker

https://www.forbes.com/sites/amymorin/2019/02/27/5-ways-to-stay-mentally-strong-when-youre-dealing-with-a-toxic-co-worker/?sh=4cea74927022