How to Cope With Toxic Co-Workers

Don't let your toxic co-workers choke off your ability to be successful.

Your co-workers can make your time at work pleasant and enjoyable or annoying and miserable. Some can be downright frightening with their toxic behaviors that can cause you and your career harm. Whether your co-worker is a brown-noser, a thief, a gossip or just overly negative, this person's actions affect you. To safeguard your career, be aware of how different people affect you and what it means. Some annoying behaviors are harmless while other are dangerous and require you to take action.

Instructions

1. Evaluate the toxic co-worker's behavior and its effect on you to determine whether it is something you can ignore or it is something you need to confront. If the behavior is interfering with your ability to accomplish your work, you need to do something about the behavior. If it is merely annoying, sometimes the best thing you can do is ignore the person. When the person fails to get a reaction out of you, the toxic co-worker will likely move on to someone else.

2. Talk to the toxic co-worker about the specific behavior that is causing you problems. Enlist the person in helping to come up with a solution that will be a win-win for both of you. For example, if the co-worker has loud discussions outside your office when you are on the telephone or trying to meet a deadline, let the person know you appreciate his friendliness but you need a quieter environment in which to conduct your business. Ask whether he could hold his conversations in the employee break room or in a different part of the building.

3. Talk to your supervisor about your colleague's behaviors that create a hostile work environment or interferes with your ability to perform your job duties. Present potential solutions such as changing team assignments, reassigning duties or asking for a conflict resolution meeting.

4. Request a formal meeting with your co-worker if informal means have been unsuccessful in creating a better work environment. Ask that a supervisor be present. Be specific about describing behaviors rather than making accusations about the person's personality. Avoid being defensive, but talk about how the specific things your co-worker does affects your work and productivity. Listen openly and actively to your co-worker about is reasons for engaging in certain behaviors.

5. Document any behaviors that are illegal, threatening or harassing. Record what occurred, whether there were any witnesses, the date and time, and what was said. Turn this documentation in to the human resources department. Ask the human resources department to take action.

Tips & Warnings

• There are many different types of toxic co-workers. Recognize that different types of behavior require different responses.

• Handle the situation quickly rather than letting it boil over until you are too emotionally invested to be able to make sound choices about handling the situation professionally.

References

• Business Know-How; 9 Toxic Co-Workers to Look out for; Blaine Loomer
• "Women's Health"; Dealing with Difficult Co-Workers; Cristina Goyanes
• The Work Buzz; Caution: Toxic Co-Workers Ahead; Anthony Balderrama; Aug. 28, 2010