Going to work should be a rewarding and enriching experience that not only adds to your life financially but also contributes greatly to your mental health and self – confidence.
But, your healthy workplace experience may take a setback when you encounter a toxic coworker. A toxic coworker may sap your strength and energy and hamper your productivity. So, here are some powerful tactics to deal with a toxic coworker when you come across one.
Effective Tips To Deal with Toxic Coworker
Here are the 8 most effective tips that will help you to deal with the toxic coworker
1. Know when a line has been crossed
You may not realize when healthy venting of a co-worker could slowly convert into toxic complaining. The best way to find that out is to introspect your moods after dealing with that co-worker. How do you exactly feel after a conversation with them?
Do you question yourself and your thoughts? Do you feel demeaning? Do you experience a negative feeling as soon as they enter the office? If you experience any of the following signs, then it’s a clear indicator that the co-worker is becoming toxic.
That’s particularly valid if the venting is aimed directly at you. “It is often detrimental when a person shows excessive feelings — screaming, berating, intimidation, etc.
It can and does lead to a toxic working environment in the workplace. When the emotional venting is serious, repetitive, and is not followed up by an explanation, then it’s likely to fall in the category of toxicity.
2. Resist the urge to complain
It may seem very easy to release your frustration and vent to your co-workers but it’s not healthy for your workspace. Venting just leaves you centered on the issue and prevents you from thinking of any positive solution.
Not only does grumbling mean that you have little control over the situation: but it also indicates that you lack control over your mindset. In a nutshell, the more time and effort you invest whining about it, the more room you create for a toxic person in your life. Commit your life to be packed with good people and meaningful interactions, and give less attention to negative men.
3. Focus on controlling yourself and not the people around you
Toxic CoworkerInvesting your time into wishing that maybe your coworker would suddenly become polite, become supportive , or hoping that maybe they change their departments is a sheer waste of your valuable time and energy.
It’s not a tv show going on. It’s a reality. You cannot control your toxic co-worker. You can only control how you respond to them. So, invest your time and energy by taking some meaningful action. It’s totally your call to either speak up and confront your worker or hold your peace.
4. Practice healthy coping strategies
Dealing with a toxic coworker can take a toll on your toll on your mental health and drain you of your energy. Practicing healthy coping strategies is essential to help you remain calm and composed in a stressful work environment. Take care of your physical and mental health. In order to preach that, it’s important to eat a healthy and wholesome diet, take adequate sleep, and do plenty of workouts to help you ward off the negative effects of stress.
Experiment with a variety of coping strategies, such as gratitude and meditation to manage your hostile feelings. Make space for lots of social and recreational activities in your hectic schedules. Even at work, make sure to take frequent short breaks and surround yourself with positive people to ensure that you don’t get completely engulfed by the stressful work environment.
5. Establish boundaries
Making some buddies in the office is a great way to socialize, but you don’t have to be friends with everyone. When people dump their baggage on you while you try to get some work finished; it’s reasonable to ask them to leave you alone.
It’s all right to just be professional. It is necessary to be straightforward and let your colleagues know that you are swamped with work and are unavailable to chat during work hours.
People who aren’t accustomed to set boundaries for themselves are more likely to remain upset and agitated in the long run. Setting firm boundaries for yourself is a crucial step to maintain a positive work atmosphere.
Toxic Coworker6. Indulge in a direct conversation with the person
This suggestion may sound like the least acceptable move because it may place you in a compromising role. But most of the time in circumstances like these, if you don’t at least attempt to have a discussion; the chances of improvement are very less.
At times, your co-worker may not realize the fact that their behavior is bringing you down. In that case, it’s fairly reasonable to tell them (politely) that they make the workplace difficult for you to work on the issue. Transparency is the key here.
7. Get a third person involved
Sadly, situations often worsen to a point where, thanks to a toxic coworker, you can’t perform your job properly, and feel absolutely overwhelmed throughout the work setting. Or sometimes, the negativity may also escalate to the possibility of harassment and bullying.
When it reaches the point that when you feel like you can’t deal with the situation anymore; there’s nothing wrong with directly reaching out to your boss or the HR. They ought to be kept conscious of what is going on in cases like these for the sake of their company and it’s employees. Sometimes embroiling someone else can be enough to get your colleague off your back. It’s really essential to present yourself positively and not to be seen as a complainer in front of your superior.
You’re trying really hard. You don’t want to risk your work. You want to keep everyone happy, but in the midst of all this, you might end up being a doormat in an attempt to keep everyone content. If you feel like your work atmosphere is taking a toll on your physical and mental health, then it’s time to step up your game and take some action against the situation.
If your stress levels are hindering your capacity to perform effectively, or you feel anxious or stressed, consider referring to a therapist.
Also Read: Ways To End A Friendship That Has Turned Toxic
