Navigating toxic behaviour at work can be draining, frustrating and demoralising. Whether it’s a colleague engaging in passive-aggressive behaviour or a leader creating an unhealthy culture, toxicity in the workplace has real consequences.

Understanding how to deal with toxic people at work is essential to maintaining your well-being and productivity, especially if you’re in a corporate role where stress and burnout are already high.

I’ve helped countless clients manage these situations. The first step is recognising the signs of toxicity and its impact, so you can take the right steps to protect yourself and your career.

Signs of Toxicity in the Workplace

Toxic behaviour can take many forms. Often, it’s not just about one bad attitude or a single negative comment—it’s a pattern that creates a hostile or unhealthy environment. Some of the most common signs of a toxic workplace include:

• High levels of stress and burnout: Constant pressure to work long hours without breaks or time off.
• Bullying and gossip: Whether subtle or overt, this behaviour can lead to a culture of fear.
• Micromanagement: When employees feel they are not trusted to do their jobs, it creates frustration and disengagement.
• Unclear roles and constant change: If roles or responsibilities keep shifting without proper communication, it’s a sign of dysfunction.
• Unethical behaviour: When boundaries are crossed or moral standards are ignored, it affects everyone.
• Negative or blame culture: In toxic environments, mistakes are punished rather than seen as opportunities for growth, making employees afraid to speak up.
• Lack of psychological safety: When you feel you can’t express ideas, raise concerns, or give feedback without fear of backlash, it’s a clear sign of a toxic culture.

These are just a few examples, but they paint a picture of a workplace where employees feel undervalued, unsupported and unsafe.

The Impact of Toxicity at Work

The ripple effect of toxicity is profound. It can lead to high turnover rates, employee disengagement, and a lack of collaboration. Teams stop innovating, communication breaks down, and everyone becomes focused on self-preservation.

In these environments, “quiet quitting” (where employees disengage and do the bare minimum) often becomes the norm, as individuals lose motivation and stop going above and beyond.

Toxicity also breeds indecision and fear. Employees may hesitate to make decisions or share new ideas because they’re afraid of being blamed or reprimanded. Over time, this creates a stagnant and unproductive workplace, where no one feels empowered to succeed.

How to Spot a Toxic Leader

Toxicity often stems from the top. Recognising the signs of a toxic leader is key to understanding where these behaviours are coming from. Here are some common red flags:

• Micromanagement and lack of trust: A leader who constantly controls every detail of their team’s work isn’t fostering an environment of autonomy or growth.
• Inconsistent or unclear communication: When a leader frequently changes decisions or withholds information, it creates confusion and insecurity.
• Playing favourites: When certain employees are given preferential treatment, it can damage team morale.
• Unethical behaviour or power abuse: Leaders who cross boundaries, make inappropriate comments, or use their power to intimidate employees create a damaging work environment.
• Public shaming or making an example of someone: If a leader uses fear to control or motivate the team, it erodes trust and creates a culture of anxiety.

These leaders often create an environment where employees feel disrespected and undervalued, which can severely impact morale and performance.

What Can You Do About Toxicity in the Workplace?

Dealing with toxic people at work is never easy, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself and manage the situation professionally:

Set boundaries:

It’s crucial to maintain clear boundaries with toxic colleagues or leaders. Be firm about what behaviours are unacceptable and don’t allow yourself to be drawn into their negativity.

Document toxic behaviour:

Keep a fact-based record of any inappropriate actions, comments, or incidents. Having clear documentation can be helpful if you need to involve HR or seek outside support.

Go to HR or a trusted colleague:

Sometimes, addressing the issue directly can help. Talk to HR or a trusted colleague to discuss the situation and seek advice on next steps.

Maintain your professionalism:

As frustrating as it can be, focusing on your work and maintaining a high level of professionalism helps protect your reputation. Don’t let the toxic environment compromise your integrity or job performance.

Prioritise self-care:

Toxic environments can take a toll on your mental health. Make time for self-care, whether through mindfulness practices, exercise, or seeking support from a coach or counsellor.

Revisit your values:

If the toxicity is severe and ongoing, it might be time to reassess your position. Reflect on your values and career goals to determine if this environment is truly where you want to be. If not, it might be time to start exploring other opportunities.

The Role of HR and Management in Addressing Toxicity

HR and management play a critical role in tackling workplace toxicity and supporting affected employees. To create a healthier work environment, it’s essential to be proactive in identifying, addressing, and preventing toxic behaviours.

Here are some actionable steps HR and management can take:

• Create Safe Reporting Channels: Offer confidential ways for employees to report toxic behaviour without fear of retaliation.
• Support Impacted Employees: Provide emotional and professional support through counselling or coaching, and explore flexible solutions to mitigate the harm.
• Hold Toxic Individuals Accountable: Investigate complaints thoroughly and take appropriate disciplinary actions, including leadership coaching or termination if necessary.
• Promote a Positive Culture: Foster a transparent, collaborative and respectful environment with clear behavioural expectations.
• Address Root Causes: Reassess workloads, provide leadership training, and ensure fair treatment to prevent toxicity from arising.

By taking these steps, HR and management can help mitigate the impact of toxic behaviour and foster a more positive, productive workplace.

If you’re struggling with how to deal with toxic people at work, know that you’re not alone. Toxic environments can be harmful, but they don’t have to define your career. By setting boundaries, documenting behaviours, and seeking support when needed, you can manage the situation while maintaining your own well-being and professionalism.

And remember, if the environment becomes too much to bear, it’s okay to re-evaluate your options and consider if it’s time for a change. A coach can help you navigate these decisions and build a career that aligns with your values.