A toxic coworker can significantly disrupt the team’s productivity in every workplace. They often need to catch up, causing others to pick up their slack. Moreover, they tend to challenge others’ opinions and are reluctant to see things differently, further complicating the work environment.
There are numerous reasons why a person may exhibit toxic behaviour in the workplace. It could be due to personal issues, a bad day, or simply a lack of awareness about their behaviour. Many toxic workers may not even realize the negative impact they are having on their team.
Here’s how you can find out if you are the toxic one at work:
Your Attitude Is Nasty
Are you someone who tends to ignore their colleagues just because they greeted you good morning? Do you need to get to know your colleagues or even greet them? If that is a yes, you may be very toxic. You even add to this toxicity by making sure everyone else is unhappy like you.
You Tend To Gossip A Lot
Spending excessive time gossiping about colleagues rather than focusing on work can indicate toxic behaviour. Gossip distracts from work, creates discord among team members, and can lead to misunderstandings that may alarm superiors.
You Love Office Drama
Do you have your friend group inside the workplace? While having a friend group is ok in the workplace, it can make those not a part of your group nervous. They may feel like they are the focus of your gossip and talk wrong about them behind their back.
You will also create misunderstandings because of your group and even trigger infighting. You are also toxic if you incite gossip when you see nothing happening in the workplace.
Your Focus Is Only On You
You can also be seen as a toxic coworker if you are someone who makes everything about you. For example, you often take credit for projects you could have helped with. You also steal someone else’s idea and make sure everyone thinks you are the one who initially thought of the proposal.
You even exaggerate your position in office drama so that people think you are involved. If you continue your behaviour, you are tarnishing your reputation and workplace with toxicity.
You Don’t Take Responsibility
It is common for people to make mistakes, and you are no exception. However, a toxic employee doesn’t ever think that way. They can do no wrong and quickly point fingers at an unsuspecting, innocent colleague to take the fall. They also don’t help with finding a solution to the problems they cause and focus more on ensuring they are safe from any blame.
You are also toxic when you want to avoid taking on a heavier project load. You only want to do minimal work or tasks you are comfortable doing. Aside from being picky at work, you also need to remember minor tasks around the office.
For instance, you don’t volunteer to clean the conference room after it is used or even assist in doing after-work events. When asked why you don’t want to do it, you often say it is not part of your responsibilities.
You Complain Too Much
Work could be better, and sometimes you will be miserable. Your workplace may have everything you need to complete your tasks or be comfortable in. In certain instances, you may feel like you are being overworked or you need more time to do your hobbies due to work.
While some try to find ways to overcome these days, toxic workers express their displeasure about work. You always find opportunities to complain, whether it is meeting up with your boss for a report, your daily commute to work, the conditions in the workplace, and so much more.
Worse, you must try to provide solutions or discuss them with your boss. If you are very toxic, you will even get others to complain and boycott work so your boss can do something to change your situation.
You Feel Like You Are The Boss
If you have been working for the company for a while and have to deal with new employees, you shouldn’t be why they quit. New employees expect you to help them adjust to their new work environment and give advice when needed.
A toxic employee often forces people to see them as superior because they have been with the company for a while. You usually give your work to new employees and expect them to do it without complaint because of your position in the company. People will find you hard to deal with because of this behaviour and stay away from you.
If you notice that these signs apply to you, then it is clear that you need to change your behaviour in the workplace. Find what triggers your toxicity, whether it is the space you are working on or if you always go to work in a bad mood, and find a solution for it.
Remember, you aren’t the only one in the workplace; aggravating others further would make the work day longer. You also want to avoid being why your team is lagging or dreading that they have to work with you.
Looking for more articles on abuse at work? Check out these:
Why We Need More Awareness On Workspace Abuse
STOP a Colleague from Harassing You
10 Ways to Establish Healthy Boundaries at Work
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