You spend the majority of your waking hours with your coworkers, so it's better for you to get along with them well. Unfortunately, not all relationships between coworkers are positive; some can even be toxic.
Toxic coworkers are those who make your work life miserable. They may be bullies, gossipers, or just generally unpleasant to be around. If you have a toxic coworker, it can make going to work each day a nightmare.
Also, they might be toxic, if you feel like you're always the one picking up the slack at work, or if you're constantly feeling drained after spending time with a certain coworker.
Other signs that your coworker is toxic include them being excessively negative, critical, or manipulative.
It can be challenging to deal with toxic coworkers, but here are some tips to help you deal with the situation:
-Avoid them as much as possible. This may mean changing your lunch routine or taking a different route to the copy machine.
-Limit your interactions. If you can't avoid the toxic coworker, try to keep your encounters brief. Avoid getting drawn into arguments or conversations that could escalate the situation.
-Set boundaries. It's important to set boundaries with a toxic coworker to avoid getting pulled into their drama. Let them know that you're not interested in hearing about their problems especially if they involve their personal lives.
-If the toxic coworker is a bully, stand up to them. Don't let them walk all over you. Be assertive and stand your ground. Don't be intimated by them. They're cowards and they bully others to hide this fact about themselves.
-If the toxic coworker is a gossiper, don't engage with them. Ignore their gossip and don't participate in it. They'll eventually get bored and find another person to gossip with.
-Document everything. If the toxic coworker is causing problems (like stealing/ruining your work or invading your personal space or privacy), it's important to document the incidents. This will help you if you need to talk to your boss or HR about the situation.
-Backup your work. Just in case your coworker aims to ruin your efforts and destroy your work. Always have spare copies of everything that you do.
-Seek support. Dealing with a toxic coworker can be tough, so it's important to seek support from your friends, family, or a professional. Talking to someone about the situation can help you develop a healthy coping strategy.
-Leave work troubles at the office. When you come back home forget about everything that happens at work and try to disconnect from it.
Dealing with a toxic coworker can be a struggle, but it's important to remember that you don't have to tolerate bad behavior. By taking steps to address the situation, you can help create a healthier workplace for yourself and your coworkers.
If you have tried all of these things and the toxic coworker is still making your life miserable, you may need to consider talking to your manager or HR about the situation. But you need documents to back up your claims.
No one deserves to be treated poorly at work. If you have a toxic coworker, don't suffer in silence. Take the necessary actions to protect yourself.
Please support my blog by sharing it on social media and with your friends.
Photo by Yan Krukau |
Comments
Post a Comment