Tale Tell Signs of Toxic Behavior in the Workplace
These Destructive Behaviors Zap the Goodness out of a Job
Toxic behavior patterns of actions and attitudes that are harmful and disrespectful to coworkers and can quickly and adversely affect the overall work environment. You can spot them easily; bullying, harassment, gossip, passive aggressiveness, and even micromanagement from supervisors or managers.
Bullying and harassment
Bullying is not always easy to identify; it can be silent. When it is easy to locate, it often involves verbal abuse, intimidation, or belittling. Bullying in any workplace creates a hostile work environment and negatively affects morale among staff and individual well-being.
Not very different from bullying; harassment can be more subtle—for example, unspoken discrimination. Workplace harassment encompasses any unwelcome behavior, comments, or actions that create an offensive, hostile, or intimidating work environment. It can be based on factors such as gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation, resulting in severe psychological and emotional distress for team members.
People Spreading Rumors and Sharing Gossip (Is this you?)
Any work environment plagued by gossip or negative rumor spreading can be challenging for managers to control. When individuals spread unverified information or negative stories about their colleagues, it erodes trust and fosters a culture of damaging behavior.
Gossip and rumor spreading will lead to misunderstandings, strained relationships, and a breakdown in teamwork. It undermines trust among a team, creates divisions and cliques, and can lead to a culture of detrimental negativity and low morale.
The Passive Aggressive Game
Passive aggressive behavior between coworkers involves expressing negative emotions indirectly, often through subtle sarcasm, backhanded compliments, or even intentional inefficiency. It creates tension, confusion, and a sense of uncertainty in the workplace.
Passive aggressiveness disrupts communication, erodes trust, and hinders collaboration among team members. Yes, there is a pattern forming! This is toxic behavior.
I Need to Win – Every Time!
We all know that a little healthy competition can be beneficial, but it can lead to a toxic work environment when it becomes excessive and cutthroat. This may involve sabotaging colleagues’ work, withholding resources, or engaging in unethical practices to gain an advantage.
Excessive competitiveness fosters a toxic atmosphere of mistrust and hostility, hindering teamwork and overall organizational growth.
Give Me Some Space!
Managers can also negatively impact a workplace by micromanaging specific staff. When a supervisor or manager excessively controls and monitors their team’s work, it leaves little room for autonomy or growth. This behavior demotivates employees and inhibits their ability to own their work, and this style feeds toxic behavior.
Over time, micromanagement can stifle creativity, hinder productivity, and create a climate of frustration and resentment.
