Introduction

As we spend more time at work, there’s a good chance that you’ll encounter someone who is toxic to your well-being in the office. This person may constantly belittle others, make unreasonable demands, or even sabotage projects just to get ahead. It can be difficult to know how to handle these individuals, especially if they are in positions of authority.

In this post, we will explore five telltale signs that you’re working with a toxic coworker and provide guidance on how to escalate the issue.

1. Constant Criticism

One common sign of a toxic coworker is constant criticism. This can take many forms, such as belittling others’ ideas or consistently pointing out their mistakes. For example, if a colleague always finds fault in your work, no matter how hard you try to do it right.

How to Handle It:

If someone constantly criticizes you, there are a few things you can do to handle the situation. First, try not to take it personally and remember that criticism is often a reflection of the person giving it, rather than the person receiving it. Second, set clear boundaries by politely telling them that their constant criticism is affecting your work.

2. Sabotaging Projects

Another sign of a toxic coworker is sabotaging projects. This can take many forms, such as deliberately causing delays or making sure certain tasks are not completed on time.

How to Handle It:

If someone is sabotaging your projects, there are a few things you can do to handle the situation. First, try to stay calm and don’t let their behavior affect your work. Second, document everything that happens, including dates, times, and details of what happened. Finally, report the incident to your supervisor or HR department.

3. Constant Drama

A third sign of a toxic coworker is constant drama. This can take many forms, such as constantly gossiping about others or causing unnecessary tension in the office.

How to Handle It:

If someone is always causing drama in the office, there are a few things you can do to handle the situation. First, try not to engage with them and avoid getting drawn into their drama. Second, set clear boundaries by politely telling them that their constant gossiping is affecting your work. Finally, report the incident to your supervisor or HR department.

4. Unreasonable Demands

A fourth sign of a toxic coworker is unreasonable demands. This can take many forms, such as constantly asking for more work without giving any extra compensation or expecting you to do something that is outside your job description.

How to Handle It:

If someone is making unreasonable demands of you, there are a few things you can do to handle the situation. First, try to stay calm and don’t let their behavior affect your work. Second, set clear boundaries by politely telling them that their demands are not reasonable. Finally, report the incident to your supervisor or HR department.

5. Gossiping

A fifth sign of a toxic coworker is gossiping about others. This can take many forms, such as constantly talking about someone’s personal life or spreading rumors about someone in the office.

How to Handle It:

If someone is always gossiping about others, there are a few things you can do to handle the situation. First, try not to engage with them and avoid getting drawn into their gossip. Second, set clear boundaries by politely telling them that their gossiping is affecting your work. Finally, report the incident to your supervisor or HR department.

Conclusion

Working with a toxic coworker can be challenging, but there are steps you can take to handle the situation. First, try not to take it personally and remember that criticism is often a reflection of the person giving it, rather than the person receiving it. Second, set clear boundaries by politely telling them that their behavior is affecting your work. Finally, report the incident to your supervisor or HR department.