Toxic behaviour from employees can take various forms, and it’s important for organisations to recognise and address these behaviours to maintain a healthy work environment.
Here are some common examples of toxic behaviour from employees:
Bullying or Harassment: This includes verbal abuse, intimidation, spreading rumours, or any behaviour that creates a hostile or uncomfortable work environment for others.
Gossiping: Employees who engage in malicious gossip, spreading rumours or false information about colleagues, can damage morale and trust within the team.
Undermining: Some employees may constantly undermine their co-workers’ efforts, sabotaging projects or tasks in subtle ways.
Excessive Negativity: Constantly complaining, being overly critical, or displaying a pessimistic attitude can bring down team morale and hinder productivity.
Passive-Aggressiveness: Instead of openly addressing issues, some employees may use passive-aggressive behaviour like sarcasm, backhanded compliments, or deliberately avoiding tasks to express their discontent.
Non-Constructive Criticism: While constructive feedback is essential for growth, employees who provide criticism without offering solutions or doing so in a hurtful manner can be toxic.
Constantly Playing the Victim: Some employees may always portray themselves as victims, blaming others for their problems and refusing to take responsibility for their actions.
Exclusion: Deliberately excluding certain colleagues from social activities, meetings, or important information can create a hostile work environment.
Stealing Credit: Taking credit for others’ work or ideas and not acknowledging their contributions is a form of toxic behaviour.
Lack of Accountability: Refusing to take responsibility for mistakes or errors and blaming others instead can harm teamwork and productivity.
Insubordination: Open defiance or refusal to follow instructions, policies, or guidelines can disrupt the workplace and hinder productivity.
Disruptive Behaviour: Disruptive activities, like loud arguments, public confrontations, or frequent tardiness, can negatively impact the work environment.
Discrimination and Prejudice: Any form of discrimination or prejudiced behaviour based on factors like race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation is not only toxic but also illegal in many places.
It’s important for organisations to have clear policies and procedures in place to address toxic behaviour and promote a healthy work culture. This may include training programs, conflict resolution processes, and a supportive HR department to handle such issues appropriately. Additionally, fostering open communication and promoting a culture of respect and collaboration can help prevent toxic behaviour from taking root in the first place.
Team Leader Engineering
