Low pay and a difficult boss aren’t the only things that make work boring and miserable, toxic co-workers may even be worse. Some employees quit their good jobs just in search of a healthy environment. Toxic co-workers engage in behaviour that is harmful to an organisation’s property and people, they are usually selfish—they want to gain from diverse situations. They are also judgmental, and quick to point out one’s mistakes with the intention of lowering their value or looking down on them. Toxic co-workers can make the office a living hell as they find gossiping or badmouthing others a hobby and would feel comfortable engaging others in their gossip. They can talk about their bosses, former or current co-workers and spill others’ secrets, even when it’s uncalled for. Toxic co-workers are known to bring out the worst in others and enjoy negativity as well. They also want attention and sympathy—they love sharing much personal information about themselves even when the time isn’t right. You have probably wondered why your boss knows your mistakes in a blink of an eye. Toxic co-workers are busy spreading negativity and all your weaknesses to your employer. They do so just because your position intimidates them, and therefore, hope that they can replace you once the boss gets aware of your careless mistakes. You can also tell a toxic co-worker by how they communicate with you, they love flirting either physically or online. They can throw in lines that at first may seem normal but with time, you will notice that their language and expressions are flirty. On top of that, they spend more time creating connections with others, or get carried away by social media and non-work related issues as opposed to working, and when the day ends, they look forward to going back home to relax, yet they spend most of their days on unconstructive stuff. It is important to be careful when you notice that your co-worker is experienced or knowledgeable but refuse to share knowledge with you, this prevents you from being able to do your job. Such people fear sharing information or help with others for fear of being above them—they want to be recognised or identified as the best at what they do. This and more can be worse for both your personal life and career, which is why you shouldn’t stay silent when you notice some of these signs. According to Forbes, surround yourself with uplifting co-workers who take responsibility and learn from their mistakes. Seek out your company’s professional help to learn how to better manage the situation and have a safe space to talk about it. “Talk to your HR department and keep the conversation based on facts rather than an individual’s personality. Be prepared to provide specific examples of incidents.” Divine Uwase, a business manager in Kigali says to speak up, confront toxic co-workers, ask them why they behave the way they do, perhaps, they have no idea about how their behaviour harms you. Talk about it in a professional way, because failure to do so, will just keep their vice growing. She urges you to distance yourself from a toxic person as soon as possible before they turn you into a toxic person as well. Talk to your manager if you would prefer to have another seat away from them, or aren’t able to work with them on the same project. In case they wish to engage you in their negative conversations don’t hesitate to show them that you’re busy and even walk away and carry out your assignments, that way, they won’t have room to gossip or complain with you, Uwase states. She also highlights that if you have done everything, but nothing seems to change and your work environment keeps deteriorating, resign from that job because your mental health and serenity are key.
