How to Deal with Toxic Employees in a Company

You must have, at one point, asked yourself why employers need to subject candidates to tests concerned with adaptive abilities. Well, change in the work environment is inevitable. For that reason, employees need to be able to adjust to the waves.

One of the things that might often change is the employees. One moment you will have a team of introverts, whilst the other employees that may be considered a little bit too loud, and others toxic. Creating a healthy work environment is essential as that is where employees will be spending most of their time. Failure to do so may lead to frustration and negatively affect the performance of other employees as well. While you cannot always dismiss an employee from work, there are better ways of dealing with toxic individuals.

1. Listen

It’s still a good idea to listen to what other employees have to say about the toxic employee. Don't try to disengage them or dismiss their behavior, rather, try restructuring the environment they are used to. Allocate them different tasks and see whether this works or if their behavior persists.

2. Give them feedback

After giving the employee an opportunity to change, you should find time to evaluate them for the purpose of feedback. Don’t hesitate in giving them positive and negative feedback, both will be useful in this situation. Remember to commend them on the areas where they have improved to keep them motivated.

3. Show you care

There might be a reason behind their behavior. Be bold enough to probe and find out what’s causing them to behave in such a way. Being understanding and showing them support could lead to a change of heart. You might even be surprised to learn that something in the organization is brewing this negative behavior.

4. Do an analysis

Well, where there is smoke, there might be fire. Employees might label their employees as being toxic, but can you always take their word for it? There is only one way to find out. First, start by going back to what your definition of being toxic means and take time to study the employee’s behavior and discern whether it fits the description of being ‘toxic.’

5. Be straightforward

Once you’ve established that this person is behaving in a toxic manner, address it head-on. You might find that the employee is unaware of their behavior and so communication is important. Let them know how their behavior impacts the organization and their colleagues. Don’t forget to present a solution as well. From there, it’s the employee's responsibility to change their behavior. If nothing positive comes from it, then it might be time to end the business relationship.

6. Let a coach come in

Sometimes you might need to let a professional help. Some issues may be beyond you. Bringing in someone who has a knack with dealing with this type of a situation could be incredibly helpful. They will be able to effectively offer guidance to that employee or colleague and get meaningful results.

Toxic people are quite common yet something most employers tend to ignore. It’s a crucial subject to tackle as it has detrimental effects on the overall performance of a business. And it’s for that reason managers need to be give it the attention it deserves.